Audience members of Washington's City Council meeting Tuesday night raise their hands to indicate they are in attendance for the auditorium consideration.

The City of Washington has upped the ante in vying for a $1.4 million Vision Iowa Grant. Last night, the city council approved increasing its contribution to $50,000 from $15,000 to show more local support for the new auditorium project. A 28E agreement was also approved, which will ensure citizens have the ability to use the facility once it is complete.

The measure passed on a 4 to 2 vote, council member Kathryn Salazar stated it is a wonderful partnership and she has not heard a negative comment. The auditorium committee next meets with the Vision Iowa board on June 11th.

In April, the residents of Washington School District approved a $1.1 million bond issue for the first time in decades. With 866 voters supporting the measure and 397 in opposition, 69% of the votes supported the bond, which will help fund the $7 million auditorium project. The bond will be over seven years at 40-cents per $1,000 and the tax rate will be $14.45.