Edmond Town Hall Board Approves Theater Sound Upgrades, Reviews Strong Financial Results

NEWTOWN, CT — The Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers unanimously approved funding for theater sound system upgrades Tuesday night and received updates showing continued growth in programming, memberships and revenue at the historic Main Street venue.

The board voted 5-0 to allocate $4,980 for sound system upgrades recommended by DNR, the theater’s technical consultant. Melanie Mattegat made the motion, seconded by Herb Rosenthal, following a presentation by Executive Director Gary Lindemann, who said the improvements would enhance audio quality for performances and films.

Grants and Financial Updates

Business Manager Lauren DiMartino reported the organization received $5,695 from the Connecticut Office of the Arts as part of an operational grant.

DiMartino also presented year-to-date financials through Nov. 30, showing total revenue of $938,667, or 81 percent of the annual budget. Expenses totaled $699,860, or 52 percent of budget. Despite a budgeted net loss for the fiscal year, Edmond Town Hall posted a net surplus of $238,807 year-to-date, compared with $71,415 during the same period last year.

She said the 2026–27 Edmond Town Hall budget has been approved by the First Selectman with a $225,000 town subsidy, slightly less than the $250,000 requested, and will go before the Board of Selectmen on Jan. 20 and the Board of Finance on Feb. 9.

Programming and Operations

Lindemann reported strong December performance across multiple genres, citing sold-out or near-capacity events and continued growth in rentals and community partnerships. Marketing Manager Rachel Iazzetta provided an overview of marketing performance and ticket sales trends.

Operations Manager Anthony Sartori reported progress on several capital improvement and maintenance projects, including concession stand upgrades nearing completion and upcoming work on the gym floor and ground-floor bathrooms.

Board Business

The board added several items to the agenda by unanimous consent, including a parking lot update and the sound system proposal.

Chair Jennifer Guman reviewed the responsibilities of the board’s Human Resources subcommittee and noted upcoming membership changes following a request by Marie Smith to step down. Mattegat and Rosenthal volunteered to join the subcommittee.

The board tabled approval of the Dec. 9, 2025, meeting minutes to allow additional review.

No public comment or board member comments were offered.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.