Attorney's Office Says Salt Lake City Not Required to Pay Leonardo Bond

Oct 07, 2008 by Faroe Robinson

(KCPW News) A legal opinion recently released by the Salt Lake City's Attorney's Office states that the city has no obligation to give the Leonardo its voter-approved $10.2 million bond. It states that the city needs to look at how specifically the bond money will be used and if the Leonardo has raised its portion of the $10 million match. Leonardo Executive Director Peter Giles says he is still examining the opinion, but believes it isn't a deal breaker.

"Well we are disappointed that it was released, you know, but we fell, again, that we are making progress with the city and it's a legal opinion that is just, what it is forced to be, is a legal opinion. It doesn't necessarily reflect what the administration is going to do about it," Giles said.

The opinion questions the financial viability of the Leonardo, due to the incorrect reporting of two pledges. It also states that a considerable portion of the funds raised by the Leonardo have already been spent. But Giles is confident the money pledged will be able to be collected.

"It doesn't happen very often that people don't stand by their pledges, and usually if they don't there is a reason. We understand but I think the pledges we are talking about, we fully expect they will be paid," Giles said.

The old library building may be considered for other uses if the Leonardo and Salt Lake City don't reach an agreement before the Body Worlds exhibit moves out in January.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW