Olympia's Washington Center for the Performing Arts closed its latest fiscal year debt-free with $2.5 million in unrestricted cash, but a projected $100,000 drop in lodging tax revenue lies ahead.

Board Chair Tim Coley and Executive Director Jill Barnes presented the center's financial picture at an Olympia Finance Committee meeting Monday, Oct. 19, as The JOLT first reported.

The audit covered July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Coley told the committee the center had no debt at year-end and positive operating cash flow.

The board designated funds for three priorities to prepare for future expenses, though the specific categories were not detailed in public reporting of the meeting.

Barnes said the center could face reduced lodging tax revenue because two hotels were offline for part of the year. The shortfall is projected at about $100,000 across the current and following fiscal years. The hotels were not identified.

Subscriber households hit 456, a 23 percent jump over the previous year, Barnes reported. Patrons are also buying more tickets than in prior years. Nearly 30 percent of ticket sales during the 2025-26 season came from buyers outside Thurston County.

The venue at 512 Washington St. SE has been investing in its aging building. Recent work included marquee lighting repairs costing more than $10,000 and new carpeting on the grand staircase for roughly $30,000.

Finance Committee Chair Clark Gilman, who also serves on the Olympia City Council, said the staircase fix made a real difference.

"We've been holding on with two hands going up the stairs because the carpet's pattern made it difficult to tell where we were stepping," Gilman said.

Green room upgrades are planned next, estimated at $35,000 to $50,000. Barnes said improving the space would help attract visiting artists.

The center also reported providing more than $365,000 in savings to local arts partners such as Ballet Northwest and Olympia Symphony Orchestra through reduced rental rates last season.

A Dolly Parton-themed event drew 250 attendees and collected 330 books for local children.

Green room renovations, including replacing heavily damaged flooring, are expected to begin this fiscal year.