The City Council vote that passed by a 4-3 vote to not support the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center was very disappointing. Partnerships with the City and nonprofit groups have enhanced the livability and vitality of the community for decades and with that foresight, people like Bill Fisher and Martha Ellen Tye invested in Marshalltown. And, since 1969, the City recognized this commitment and helped fund and support the community center and playhouse until this current vote. Even with the significant damage caused to the building by the derecho, the community clearly demonstrated its desire to keep the MACC through their efforts to fund the renovation of the building. Prior to fundraising for the renovation, the MACC board received affirmation from City Council to maintain their funding. We remain hopeful that the current members of the City Council might revisit this decision and renew the commitment that has existed to ensure that Bill Fisher’s legacy is supported as it should be given the Fisher Family’s contributions and to support one of Marshalltown’s finest assets.

The MACC Board of Trustees is comprised of President Karn Gregoire, Vice President Heidi Peglow, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Cynthia Ragland, Sharon Greer, Paul Gregoire, Dr. David Clark, John Hall, Mike Mason, Jeff Schneider, Tom Brandau, Mary Wertzbetger and Phyllis Mazour.