Daviess County Fiscal Court plans to allocate $300,000 to the RiverPark Center to help cover an anticipated operating shortfall in fiscal year 2025-26, using surplus funds from the County’s transient room tax.
County Treasurer Jordan Johnson said the allocation reflects a continued investment in the arts and follows years of similar support from both the City and County.
“This isn’t the result of mismanagement,” Johnson said. “It’s about sustainability while the RiverPark Center’s new management team continues to determine what programming best resonates with our region.”
Johnson said the funds would come from House Bill 202 revenues, which are generated by a 2 percent tax on hotel stays. State law restricts the use of those funds to tourism-related and performing arts expenses, meaning the allocation does not rely on local property or payroll taxes.
“This money doesn’t come from local taxpayers,” Judge-Executive Charlie Castlen said. “It comes from visitors staying in our hotels. It’s an investment in quality-of-life infrastructure that helps Owensboro punch above its weight.”
According to County records, since fiscal year 2011-12, the City of Owensboro has contributed approximately $6.79 million to the RiverPark Center, while Daviess County has provided about $2.35 million, primarily through transient room tax revenues. Johnson and Castlen acknowledged that City support has been more consistent year to year, while County contributions have varied based on available tourism reserves.
The RiverPark Center is now operated by OVG, a nationally recognized venue management firm that began interim management in March 2024. OVG also manages the Owensboro Convention Center and Sportscenter locally.
Chris Patterson, who joined the RiverPark Center as general manager in August 2024, said the past 18 months have shown positive momentum.
“We had a very constructive dialogue with the City and County about the positive things happening at RiverPark Center and where we’re headed,” Patterson said. “We also recognize that we will continue to need support from both entities, and we appreciate the conversations we’ve had.”
Patterson said recent programming has produced tangible economic impact, particularly through touring productions that require extended local stays. He said three Broadway technical rehearsals — Stomp in 2024, and Hadestown and Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas in 2025 — generated close to 1,000 hotel room nights combined.
“These companies are here for weeks,” Patterson said. “They’re staying in hotels, eating in restaurants, grabbing coffee in the morning, and spending their per diem dollars in the community.”
He said OVG’s industry connections have also helped attract high-profile acts, including Jim Gaffigan, Rodney Carrington, Bluey Live, and Steve-O, many of which sold more than 1,000 tickets. Patterson said upcoming 2026 shows, such as Vicki Lawrence and Henry Cho, are already selling well, and discussions are underway for additional Broadway announcements.
RiverPark Center Board Chair Scott McCain said the venue serves as both a cultural and economic anchor for Owensboro and Daviess County.
“The RiverPark Center is over 30 years old and serves more than 100,000 patrons a year, including about 25,000 children through our arts and education programs,” McCain said. “It’s a community asset, not just a City asset or a County asset.”
McCain said post-pandemic challenges have affected performing arts centers nationwide, making public investment common across similar communities.
“Most performing arts centers require some level of support unless they have very large endowments,” McCain said. “Paducah’s Carson Center has an endowment north of $30 million. Bowling Green has several million. We have less than $1 million.”
McCain said the decision to bring in OVG was a strategic move aimed at long-term sustainability, not short-term relief.
“We’re starting to see the fruits of that decision in the programming and the economic activity,” he said. “But this is still an investment. It’s not a handout.”
He said the $300,000 request reflects a projected shortfall rather than an emergency.
“We presented a detailed budget and said we expect to be about $300,000 short,” McCain said. “We asked the City and County to help close that gap, and the County stepped up. That probably won’t be the last time we ask, but it’s always earned.”
Castlen said the RiverPark Center plays a vital role in exposing local residents to arts and culture that would otherwise require travel.
“If we didn’t have the RiverPark Center, kids in our community wouldn’t see Broadway shows, ballet, or symphony performances,” Castlen said. “These experiences could be life-changing, and they’re part of what makes a community vibrant.”
The $300,000 allocation would be in addition to approximately $291,000 already included in the current fiscal year’s agency funding for arts and cultural organizations, officials said. Any future requests from the RiverPark Center will be required to go through the County’s regular budget process.
Officials said Fiscal Court is expected to formally introduce the allocation for approval by spring 2026, once tourism reserves are fully replenished.
