Several City Council members grumbled, but the council wound up approving the hiring of a parttime public arts coordinator on Tuesday night.
Councilman Manny Rico, who voted against it along with Leamon Pierce, said, "I like public art. The Main Street Art District is part of my district. But when people are losing their homes and businesses, I can't find for something that is non-essential."
Councilman Jack Benson, who passed, said with the economy worsening, "We have a responsibility to provide the essentials for the city and not get in a position where we might have to raise taxes."
Larry Zehnder, city parks and recreation director, said the city's public art program "is one of the things that makes our community such a special place."
He said, "To throw out the entire public art program is somewhat short-sighted."
Mr. Zehnder said one group who came to the city to visit the public art spent $380,000 during their stay.
He said the city's share of the $41,600 salary of Townsend Atelier is just one-third - with foundations paying the rest.