Denver, Colorado, faces a challenging fiscal landscape as it grapples with a significant influx of migrants and substantial budget cuts. In a surprising move, the city plans to allocate $30 million over three years for stagehand services at various city-owned venues, even as it implements cost-saving measures to mitigate the impact of the migrant crisis.
Mayor Mike Johnston recently unveiled a strategy to slash $45 million from the city’s budget, aiming to sidestep layoffs or furloughs of city employees amidst the burgeoning migrant population. The surge in expenses, escalating from $2 million per month in August 2023 to a staggering $15 million monthly by December 2023, underscores the urgency of the situation, as reported by The Center Square.
The proposed contract between the city and ASM Global will furnish stagehand services across multiple venues, encompassing prominent locations such as the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Coliseum, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex, with the potential inclusion of the Loretto Heights Theater.
These stagehands will undertake a spectrum of tasks crucial for the seamless execution of theatrical and musical performances, including load-in, execution, and load-out operations. The array of services encompasses roles ranging from truck loaders, pushers, riggers, carpenters, to audio and lighting technicians.
Notably, the contract entails comprehensive provisions, encompassing stagehand management, staffing, supervision, consulting, and payroll administration. Scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026, the agreement allows for two one-year renewal options, extending the partnership beyond the initial term.
However, the allocation of significant funds towards stagehand services has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the austere budgetary climate. Critics question the prioritization of entertainment-related expenditures amidst pressing financial constraints, prompting scrutiny of the city’s fiscal decision-making.
Efforts to obtain commentary from the mayor’s office regarding this expenditure remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
As Denver grapples with intersecting challenges of budgetary strain and the migrant crisis, the allocation of funds towards stagehand services reflects a strategic maneuver amid competing priorities, eliciting both support and skepticism within the community.