RESOLUTION NO. 452
AUTHORIZING THE DISBURSEMENT OF AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING TO AND AN AGREEMENT WITH THE ALBANY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, INC. AND AMENDING THE 2023 ALBANY COUNTY BUDGET
Introduced: 10/10/23
By ARPA Executive Committee, A. Joyce, Feeney, Beston, Clay, Cleary, Commisso, Lekakis, McLaughlin, Miller, Plotsky, Reidy, Reinhardt, Ricard, Rosano, Simpson and Willingham:
WHEREAS, The County of Albany received $29.6 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) which may be used for various projects and programs within the County to help mitigate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and
WHEREAS, The Albany County Legislature created the ARPA Executive Committee and its various Subcommittees to determine how these funds should be distributed and to review applications for these monies, and
WHEREAS, The ARPA Executive Committee and its various Subcommittees have worked tirelessly over the last year in order to establish guidelines that will assist them in reviewing and evaluating the numerous applications they will receive, and
WHEREAS, The ARPA Executive Committee, having evaluated numerous proposals, has requested authorization to disburse ARPA funding in the amount of $80,000 to and enter into an agreement with the Albany Symphony Orchestra, Inc. (Albany Symphony) for a term commencing September 11, 2023 and ending December 31, 2026, and
WHEREAS, The Albany Symphony was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a temporary cessation of live performances and educational programs, leading to a substantial revenue loss in both ticket sales and fundraising, and
WHEREAS, The Albany Symphony seeks funding to support the implementation of an enhanced "Pops and Family Series" for the 2023-2024 season, featuring diverse programming including a Video Game Music concert, a Beatles tribute night, and expanded family programming, aiming to engage a broad audience of community members, attract new patrons, and boost tourism in Albany County, and
WHEREAS, The Albany Symphony's enhanced "Pops and Family Series" is expected to attract over 2,500 patrons to Albany County for each concert, stimulating local businesses, restaurants, and hotels, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the Albany County Legislature that the County Executive is authorized to disburse ARPA funding in the amount of $80,000 to and enter into an agreement with the Albany Symphony Orchestra, Inc., Albany, NY 12207 regarding Arts, Culture, and Tourism Promotion activities for a term commencing September 11, 2023 and ending December 31, 2026, and, be it further
RESOLVED, By the Albany County Legislature that the 2023 Albany County Budget is hereby amended as follows:
Increase Revenue Account CM.4.2401B.04089Z.ARP23 by $80,000
Increase Appropriation Account CM.9.2401B.44046Z.ARP23 by $80,000 by increasing Line Item 44046Z.ARP23 by $80,000
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the County Attorney is authorized to approve said agreement as to form and content, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the County Legislature is directed to forward certified copies of this resolution to the appropriate County Officials.