SCERA theater awaiting cue

OREM — If a proposed tax that would funnel money to cultural-arts groups is approved by Orem voters Tuesday, it could mean big changes for the ownership of the SCERA theater — an Orem landmark for more than 70 years.

"It certainly is an option to give what is now a community-owned asset to the city, to have it be a city asset," said SCERA CEO Adam Robertson. "People say, 'Could it be done?' Absolutely. We've been doing it for 20 years (with the SCERA Shell)."

Orem city owns the SCERA Shell (an outdoor amphitheater) and the SCERA Park but leaves the management contracts and day-to-day details up to the people who run SCERA, short for Sharon's Cultural Educational Recreational Association.

Giving or selling the theater to the city would allow for an easier transfer of potential recreation, arts and parks (RAP) tax dollars that would be generated by a hike in the local option portion of the sales tax.

The RAP tax — or CARE tax, as a citizens group has renamed it — is projected to bring in almost $1.6 million a year, based on current sales tax revenue numbers. The funds can be applied for by private, non-profit cultural arts and recreation groups or publicly owned cultural arts facilities, which is what SCERA would become if it changed hands.

That gives the theater two options — either lease or sell the facility to the city, creating a city-owned cultural arts facility, and then use RAP funds for programs and building additions, or remain community-owned and only use RAP funds for any non-profit public programs and SCERA-generated funds for building additions or renovations.

It's still too early to start talking in specifics, said Orem City Manager Jim Reams.

"There have been a lot of ideas thrown out," he said. "What we'll end up doing? I'm not sure. I think if the CARE tax passes . . . our first priority will be to determine what our needs are in the area of cultural arts."

There will be a formal process to identify the needs, what's available and what's wanted in Orem, Reams said. Then, cultural arts and recreational entities can apply for the money, but the City Council will decide who gets money and how much.

The Utah Taxpayers Association has spoken out against the tax, arguing that any increase in tax is bad governmental policy, especially when it adds to Utah's already high tax base.

But the Utah Regional Ballet, a non-profit organization, say the money is greatly needed, and it would be quick to apply for additional funding.

The group, which has been operating since 1981, would use the money to help renovate scenery and sets for its annual Nutcracker ballet, as well as donate some for a performing arts center that could benefit myriad cultural art groups.