During a special Stuart City Council meeting on March 22nd, the Council voted to invest tax increment financing funds to a city-owned facility.

All-Saints Center Director Greg Dudley told the Council that operating expenses are starting to get too expensive to run the facility. He said there is an estimated $2,100 per month for operating costs, along with continual maintenance. The reason Dudley came to the Council meeting was to notify them that expenses are getting to the point where he couldn’t continue operating the center without city involvement.

It was proposed to utilize up to $30,000 of TIF funds from the City’s urban renewal area to financially support the center for one year and then reassess after that year. The City currently has up $150,000 through 2026 of TIF funds to use on the All-Saints Center as a city-owned property. Council member Theresa Glass requested another special meeting to further review their options.

“I really appreciate the insight that Mr. Dudley has had in the time that he has attempted to take on the project. I would really like to have a special meeting where we could invite Mr. Dudley, we could invite people from Project Restore, and we could have a well rounded discussion just of that building and that situation.”

Mayor Dick Cook agreed that the Council needed to do something.

“People in town have put their heart and soul into that building and I don’t think the majority of people want to see it close. I’m willing to say yes, go ahead and help.”

The Council voted 3-1 in favor of the proposal. It was also mentioned that the City has already invested $2.5 million into the facility.