In the last three years through the 2007-08 season, Sampson Community Theatre has produced 17 shows and seen a total income well over $200,000 — all with little change in cost for tickets and treats. It’s a service they want to continue to provide, but there are certain repairs that need to be made to maintain the Clinton mainstay, theater officials said.

Jeff Warren, former chairman and current member for the Sampson Community Theatre’s board of directors, recently reached out to the City Council. He told members about the success had by the theater, the status of upgrades being made and its importance in the community.

He asked they keep the theater in mind for funding, especially as it pertains to the antiquated electrical system. The Council heeded that call last week, spending $5,000 to hire an engineering company to evaluate the building’s existing electrical system and draw up specifications for a new one.

The city owns the theater, located at 115 Fayetteville St., Clinton, and entered the contract on behalf of the entertainment venue.

City officials said the theater is in need of an electrical upgrade to bring it up to code. The contract will include developing construction drawings and specifications for the electrical system, but not the actual upgrade itself.

The theater, Warren has noted, is a worthwhile investment.

“Our last three years have been successful,” he attested.

Over that span, from the 2005-06 to the 2007-08 season, the theater has brought in $219,402 in total income, including help from both the city and county in the amount of $33,000, $10,000 of which is a loan from the city to help with a fund-raising initiative.

Of the $219,402, $60,000 was donated to purchase the building and the curtains. Another $31,983.78 has been used to maintain the building and replace the spotlights. Electrical and gas services have consumed just under $34,000 in that time.

Money aside, Warren said he is most impressed by just how many people have given their time and effort over the years for nothing more than applause, and the many others who have come out to give that hand.

“The best stats are the fact that we have had 467 people on stage from this county entertaining 10,262 citizens with low-ticket prices of seven or eight dollars,” stated Warren. “We have offered popcorn and drinks for a dollar, all while they’re learning about the arts and live stage performances.”

On the maintenance front, Warren said the fire and sprinkler system recently passed inspection, however the fire marshal told him “some modifications” needed to be made, among them a new fire door, an exit door in front of the stage and wiring.

“We are making progress,” Warren remarked, “but we are incurring expenses we cannot pay for. Every year we get money to (pay for) electrical, but something else always comes up that cuts into that money.”

According to Warren, repairs and utilities of the theater totaled $14,144 in 2005-06; $10,811.84 in 2006-07; and approximately $36,500 in 2007-08. Warren said the theater had around $14,000 in the bank as of June, but that was always subject to change depending on what needs arise.

The theater often asks that anyone wishing to honor or memorialize a person or business, while donating to the theater, do so by purchasing a granite plaque on the walkway under the marquee so that it can be engraved with advertising or commemoratives. The proceeds go toward upgrading the facility’s electrical wiring and roof repairs.

Any other funds are welcome, Warren noted.

“We are a source of entertainment,” he told Council members recently. “I know you have got us in your future plans. I hope you keep us there.”

Last week, the Council voted unanimously for the city of Clinton to contract the services of Cruse and Associates, P.A. for electrical engineering services.

Items to be addressed in the plans include relocation of the stage electrical panel, aisle lighting, conduit to column lights, house lighting switch locations, battery backup emergency lighting, exit lighting and other electrical issues as identified by the fire marshal.

As part of the $5,000 contract, a general floor plan will be developed for electrical drawings only. It will not be detailed, but developed for the scope of the project.

The price does not include bidding the job or construction administration.

Chris Berendt can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 121, or by email at sicrime@myclintonnc.com.