The Overture Center work group presented a revised proposal for the center Tuesday that would allow a private owner to gain grants from the city and union employees to maintain current benefits.
Members created the proposal based on private ownership and operation by the 201 State Foundation.
The plan would allow 201 State to request funds if it has trouble paying maintenance costs. The city would loan 201 State money through a mortgage on the facility, to be repaid by a reduction in the grants that the Overture Center receives from the city.
""I think there's an understanding that, even if we don't own the building, we still have an interest in the building,"" Common Council President Ald. Mark Clear, District 19, said.
Current Overture Center union employees would receive benefits like sick leave during transition in ownership from the city to 201 State. The city and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 60 union would negotiate these terms.
City Attorney Michael May said union members would be ""considered government employees who are offered jobs at Overture"" during the transition.
May said much of the committee's deliberation during the past week focused on employee issues.
Linda Baldwin, a member of the Board of Directors for 201 State, said the full board of directors will meet Friday to review financial implications of the revised proposal.
""Like you, they are going to want to have a conversation,"" Baldwin said.
Members of the Overture work group did not vote on the new proposal and will continue to discuss it throughout the week. Clear said work group members have not expressed whether or not they support the plan or any of its provisions.
The group will present their conclusions to the Common Council Dec. 14.
