The Sampson Community Theatre is working to get its building on Fayetteville Street up to code, and outfitting it with an electrical upgrade that is years in the making.

A possible theater electrical revamp has been discussed by city officials over the last year and now may be on its way, under the city of Clinton’s 2010-11 proposed budget.

The electrical upgrade is one of several capital improvement projects expected to receive funding under that proposed fiscal plan, which will receive further examination by the City Council in the next month. The budget must be approved by June 30.

In the city’s recommended budget, the Sampson Community Theatre repairs are being funded at a cost of $50,000. City manager John Connet said bids have been received to replace the basic electrical system within the theater. The funding would be a one-time cost for the city, which owns the facility.

Last June, Jeff Warren, former chairman and current member for the Sampson Community Theatre’s board of directors, informed City Council that the theater has prided itself on offering local productions with local actors and actresses, to entertain local residents. The Sampson Community Theatre board and its thespians wished to continue providing the service to the community at a minimal cost, just as it has in years past — but now, Warren said, the theater needed help.

This week, Warren reiterated how dire the need is. The theater is in need of an electrical upgrade to bring the building up to code in order to continue holding a place in the community in its current facility on Fayetteville Street.

“That’s what we’re trying to do,” Warren said Tuesday. “It’s very vital to our survival really.”

In July 2009, the City Council approved a contract with Cruse and Associates, P.A. of Dunn to develop construction drawings and specifications for the electrical system, but not the actual upgrade of it. The consultant subsequently evaluated the theater’s system and submitted an estimate of $50,000 to make necessary repairs and modifications, city staff noted.

Those repairs would come after July 1, if the Council approves the budget as it is proposed. Warren said he hoped the project would remain in the budget.

“They want to get it up to code and that’s vital for us to continue to provide the service to the city and the county,” Warren remarked, noting his intent to give a similar presentation to county officials on the importance of the community theater.

Over three years, from the 2005-06 through the 2007-08 season, the most recent year numbers are available, Sampson Community Theatre produced 17 shows and saw a total income well over $200,000 — all with little change in cost for tickets and concessions. In that same three-year period, repairs and utilities for the theater totaled approximately $61,500, Warren said.

The city’s $50,000 would go a long way toward helping the facility upgrade and maintain its service.

“The city’s money is basically putting the building into code,” said Warren. The new electrical foundation would then need a new lighting system, which would cost an additional $58,000. “We’re actually going to be spending about $108,000. It’s really one package. Once we remove the old wiring, the old lighting system will go with it.”

Warren is currently seeking private funds to help pay for a new lighting system, and said he is thankful for what city officials have done over the years to keep an old facility thriving.

“We’ve been working on this for five years,” Warren said of the electrical upgrade. “This is as close as we’ve gotten in some time.”

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