Junction City Opera House reports revenue gains, asks Geary County for maintenance of FY support

Ellie Dylan, executive director of Junction City Opera House Incorporated (the nonprofit that manages the C.L. Hoover Opera House), presented the organization’s FY27 budget and programming plans to the Geary County Commission. Dylan said the opera house will not seek a county increase this year and emphasized efforts to keep operations flat while growing earned revenue and sponsorships.

Dylan reported a 10% increase in facility rental rates for private events and a roughly 4% increase in ticket sales and sponsorships over the prior year. The organization operates with one full‑time staff member and several part‑time employees and academy instructors; utilities and show production costs were among her listed pressures.

She highlighted community partnerships — including Main Street and the public library — and said the opera house drew an estimated 16,000 patrons last year, drawing attendees from Geary County and neighboring communities and contributing to local economic activity. Dylan asked the commission to continue its current level of support while the organization pursues sponsorships and cost‑saving measures.

Commissioners praised collaborative programming and asked about youth programming and season ticket efforts; Dylan said new IT and marketing investments aim to diversify revenue and stabilize operations.