A preview into how arts funding will come under new scrutiny in the coming term dominated Monday night’s meeting of the Hudson Common Council, according to a report in today's Register-Star. According to their coverage, there was much discussion about whether the city should obtain expense and income records for all of the city’s concert promoters and art groups which host performances, with Alderwoman Ellen Thurston, D-Hudson 3, suggesting the city request a full report of income and expenses for organizations which receive vouchers to put on events in the city. The resolutionfinally introduced from the informal meeting, however, stated that all organizations receiving money from the city be required to “provide a narrative” after a sponsored event illustrating how everything went and how it could be improved in the future.

At the meeting, a resolution was also introduced to authorize the city treasurer to pay $10,000 to Rob Caldwell of Musica to put on four concerts at the Henry Hudson Riverfront Park; $1,000 to Operation Unite for the city’s annual Black Arts and Cultural Festival; $1,000 for Stageworks Productions’ Mettawee Puckets performance; and $500 for the BeLo3rd group’s Taste of Hudson food festival. The entire discussion was a harbinger for more contentious budget cutting and oversight talk expected to dominate all aspects of the news over the coming year. For the full story, including the cultural support voiced by all involved, please click here.