Several Canadian bands have skipped out on performing here in the past few months because the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre’s aging sound system could not meet their standards.
The centre purchased the current speakers in 2005 and had planned to buy new equipment in 2016, but didn’t, explained executive director Derik Cronan. The largest issue the organization faces is that previous management did not anticipate increased costs for new technology.
“We have looked into the cost for a new audio system and quickly discovered that we do not have enough money set aside to purchase what is required,” Cronan told city council during its June 10 executive committee meeting.
To upgrade its sound system and purchase a new projector, the cultural centre has asked council for permission to use $96,500 from its retained earnings account. The current balance of that account is $197,575.
Council unanimously approved a recommendation to allow the centre to access $96,500 of its retained earnings. The recommendation must be approved during the next regular council meeting to become official.
The audio system upgrade is expected to cost nearly $100,000; installation would cost nearly $20,000; the estimated replacement cost for the digital cinema projector is between $40,000 and $50,000. A new project would allow the centre to show documentaries and films in partnership with the Saskatchewan Festival of Words, the Regina International Film Festival and the Toronto Film Festival.
The purchase of the equipment would require extra contributions to the centre’s equipment reserve account of roughly $12,200 a year.
The funds in the retained earnings account have been acquired from accumulated annual surpluses. This account is also used to offset any unexpected deficits.
Last year the cultural centre had a surplus of $54,732. It had a deficit of $55,186 two years ago and incurred $102,954 in restructuring costs. Three years ago the organization had a surplus of $33,389.
It would be difficult to sell the speakers and projector since both are nearly 15 years old, Cronan told Coun. Chris Warren. Furthermore, a noticeable audible hum comes through the speakers after an hour. One of the speakers was sent away for repairs, but nothing could be done for it.
The centre had to turn down a musical act in January since it would have cost $8,000 to rent a sound system, Cronan added. If the organization’s speakers do not meet bands’ expectations, then a system must be brought in from Regina, Calgary, or Winnipeg, along with the technicians to run the system.
The next executive committee meeting is Monday, June 24.
