Mayor Jon Mitchell Offers Plan To Financially Stablize Zeiterion

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell says operation of the Zeiterion Theatre, at least in the short term, needs to be a shared responsibility.

The mayor has written the "Z's" Board of Directors, spelling out both short and long term strategies for making the performing arts center financially stable.

The Mayor says he'll ask the City Council to approve $60,000 for the Zeiterion.  He also says Baycoast Bank and Bristol County Savings Bank have each agreed to donate $25,000 apiece to help with operation and maintenance costs.  And the legislative delegation is going to work, attempting to add $60,000 to $80,000 for the Zeiterion in the Fiscal 2014 State Budget.

Mitchell is also working on a long term funding plan as well.....

The Zeiterion is owned by the City of New Bedford, so the city will put out a formal request for proposals later this year, seeking a vendor to operate the theatre.

Mitchell says he expects the current Zieterion organization will be a very competitive candidate.