Albert Lea Community Theatre board members on Monday voted unanimously to accept an agreement with the city that makes the organization the manager of the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

The agreement is contingent on Albert Lea City Council approval during its Monday meeting.

Tony Segura, ACT co-president, said the decision came with much discussion at the Monday meeting but ultimately the 14 board members present voted in favor.

“It’s a big step for us,” Segura said. “They wanted to make sure it was something we would be able to make work for ourselves as an organization, and we also wanted to make it a positive thing for the city of Albert Lea.”

Segura said if the agreement is approved by the council, the theater group will look to increase the use of the theater building, which was named after actress Marion Ross in June 2008.

“We’ll use it as much as it allows,” he added.

ACT has three to five productions each year, but the group will also look to bring in special events and concerts.

“We’re hoping for real community support of this, a collaboration of the arts kind of thing,” Segura said. “We hope people will get on board and get that theater better utilized.”

The building has been without a formal manager for at least two years with a reduction of city funding toward the facility.

ACT will not be getting paid for its services.

Segura said the Masons will continue to maintain the third floor of the building.

Look to the Tribune for more about the agreement after the Monday City Council meeting.