PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Reluctant to raise taxes, the Portsmouth City Council has some tough financial decisions to make regarding their upcoming budget. Drastic cuts are being considered, including eliminating $350,000 expected to help with operating costs of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum on High Street.
The Hall, which was established in 1966, opened its new modern museum ten years ago Saturday. Expected to draw locals and tourists to High Street the Portsmouth City Council back then promised to provide half a million dollars a year to help with operating costs. Over the years that half a million was reduced to 350-thousand dollars, and now there is talk it may be cut completely.
Tuesday night Joel Rubin, the chairman of the Hall of Fame, told Council members if the money is cut, it will be impossible to replace. Meaning either the Hall of Fame will have look for a home in another city, or close it’s doors for good.
“Because City Council voted unanimously in 2003 to provide $500,000 in annual operating support, the Hall of Fame was able to secure construction financing. Indeed the loan approval was contingent on that commitment,” Rubin said. “Since then multiple city councils have made sure that the Hall of Fame remains in the budget, even though the annual subsidy has been reduced to $350,000. The Hall of Fame in other words has already absorbed a 30% reduction. Replacing that sum year after year is impossible, meaning either the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame will cease to exist or it will go elsewhere.”
A final decision on the budget is expected on May 12th.
© 2000-2015 LIN Television Corporation, a Media General company. All rights reserved
Spartan Echo 