Council considers further cuts to Dixon Municipal Band

DIXON – The city will be cutting the Dixon Municipal Band’s funding in half.

A council majority decided to cut $10,000 of funding for the band, leaving about $11,000 for the group’s upcoming season. The city has cut band funding during the last few years, and the band began fundraising about three years ago in an effort to become more self-sustainable.

The band has existed in one form or another since 1851, and the city can levy property tax dollars to fund the band but has not done so since 2014 in order to prioritize other expenses under the tight cap of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law.

There’s about $21,000 left in a fund that could be used for the band or performing arts, and the council decided to use about half for the band this year and the rest the following year.

Councilman Dennis Considine said they should be hesitant to discount the years of tradition of having a city band, and it’s an outlet for dozens of people, including young musicians.

The city had considered merging the band with the Sterling Municipal Band as more of a regional group, but Councilman Ryan Marshall said Sterling officials weren’t interested.

Councilman Mike Venier, who’s been a longtime advocate for the band, said they have a level of responsibility to maintain the band and recognize its place in city history.

“It’s part of who we are and who Dixon has been,” Venier said.

Mayor Li Arellano Jr. argued that once the $21,000 is spent, the band will be competing with other organizations for general fund dollars, such as the Dixon Historic Theatre, and it might be a sign there’s not enough interest if it doesn’t bring in enough private donations.

They also spoke about the band trying to do a mix of paid concerts and free shows, and partnering with the theater as well. The cut will be finalized when the council votes on its budget in April.

Go to dixonmunicipalband.com to donate or for more information.