Due to the recent 4-3 vote, the Carmel City Council will now have the final word on arts spending.  Mayor James Brainard will continue to handle the arts funding, but the council will now have the power to approve, reduce or reject funding to any art project or organization.

According to the ordinance, Mayor Brainard would have to submit a written recommendation to the council to use funds for a specific art project or organization. The mayor also would need to explain how the public will benefit from the project.

Rick Sharp, Carmel City Council President, said the decision will likely lead to an overall increase in arts funding, from $675,000 in each of the past two years to $725,000 or 1 percent of the city’s total budget in 2009.

Sources:  Bryan Unruh, Current In Carmel; Melanie D. Hayes, IndyStar.com

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