NORFOLK, Neb. -- A resident from the Norfolk community has raised the question of how the city should purchase art.

Discussions on art stole the show Monday during Norfolk's city council meeting. 

A consent agenda item that would put out a call to artists for proposals for an art installation was pulled to be discussed during the meeting.

This was requested by the arts council to have the installation put on the roundabout at First St. and Braasch Ave.

Funding for the project would be $35,000 with funding coming from the art council's budget of $25,000 and $59,000 from CARES Act funds the arts council has. 

Resident and mayoral candidate Jim McKenzie requested this topic be pulled for public discussion citing his concern about how tax dollars were being spent.

McKenzie argued that the city shouldn't be using taxpayer dollars for art installations, saying past purchases of sculptures had been used with taxpayer dollars.

He also issued a challenge, asking members of the council to donate their own money and fundraise the rest.

"Here's what I want to challenge you with," McKenzie said. "We can't continue to ask the taxpayers to pay for all of the amenities over and over again, especially when we're raising taxes and accumulating debt. I would like to issue a challenge that I will donate $1000 to this sculpture if the arts council or the city council would fundraise the rest of it."

The city defended the art council's purchase of artwork, with Mayor Josh Moenning stating the arts council has firstly gone towards private donations when buying or installing pieces of art.

Other council members also defended the move, saying it helped elevate the community.

"I do think it strengthens your community's character a little bit," said Councilman Frank Arens. "I think it removes some barriers for classes, that anybody and everybody can enjoy art. I think it's a good thing to be able to take pride in your community and this is one way to do that." 

The city voted in favor of approving the call for artists in an 8-0 vote.

The proposals must be within the $35,000 budget, not exceed the size of being six feet wide and twelve feet tall, and be highly visible to viewers.