Leonardo's Higher Price Gets Partial Support from SLC Council

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The Leonardo Museum will cost 14-million dollars more than organizers expected, and they're asking Salt Lake City to cover the gap. Last night the City Council offered some conditional support, promising at least 600-thousand dollars toward seismic upgrades and asbestos removal:

"I think that sends a strong statement that we're committed to listening and working together to explore all options and hopefully make this thing work," says Council Chair Van Turner.

Council Chair Van Turner is perhaps more optimistic than some of his counterparts who think The Leonardo's increased costs may be a result of poor planning, rather than simple inflation. In 2003, Salt Lake City voters approved a 10-million dollar taxpayer bond to convert the old City Library into a science and art museum. Rising constructions costs tacked 9-million dollars to original estimates.

"You came to us and said if the city puts 10-million dollars in that will be enough," says Councilman Dave Buhler. "The voters agreed and now you say with inflation and other things the cost is double. It just makes me wonder if we rushed too much four years ago."

Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson says they may have underestimated the true cost to convert the old City Library. But he believes the City can - and should - make up the difference now in order to guarantee The Leonardo's success.

Anderson wants to pay the bill by shuffling other city budget items and issuing an 8-million dollar sales tax bond. The City Council is also toying with plans to ask voters for another property tax increase to cover the increase.

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