Imagine Orchestra London not as a valued cultural institution but as a building -- maybe a fancy downtown concert hall -- that's on fire. Again.

Unlike previous city councils, politicians Thursday decided to drop the hoses and let it burn to the ground. Now, they want to help start building a new one.

The fiery imagery is apt, given the at-times-heated debate Thursday as the orchestra's de-facto leader, Joe O'Neill, sought an emergency $375,000 infusion to help pay bills and manage the group's slide into bankruptcy.

Politicians voted 15-0 -- a rare shutout-- to follow city staff's advice and say no.

"Frankly, I'm angered we're in this position. This should have come to council months ago," Coun. Stephen Turner said.

"I'm stunned . . . significant steps weren't taken (by the board) to sound the alarm" sooner.

Added Coun. Tanya Park: "The organization has really put the musicians in the worst position possible, and in turn the people of London."

Five years ago, the orchestra was ablaze and council doused the financial flames by underwriting a $500,000 line of credit. It also gives the organization a $500,000 annual subsidy.

Though watching its demise will be painful -- that line of credit will have to be paid by city hall -- Mayor Matt Brown and several others indicated their desire to see a new ensemble rise from the ashes.

As Coun. Harold Usher put it: "We recognize that we need arts and culture."

After four years of small annual profits, what O'Neill says was a hoped-for $350,000 donation didn't arrive during the 2013-14 season that ended in June, triggering a massive budget shortfall that's led it to the brink of bankruptcy.

O'Neill came to city hall Thursday seeking $375,000 to pay employees who've not been paid this month ($215,000), to cover unpaid payroll deductions to the Canada Revenue Agency ($110,000) and to pay for its bankruptcy proceeding ($50,000).

City staff recommended rejecting the entire request. Politicians, technically sitting as a committee, voted unanimously to do just that; they voted again as council later Thursday to make it official.

An estimated crowd of nearly 200 waited more than two hours for the debate to begin as politicians chose not to rejig the agenda to deal with the orchestra matter first.

O'Neill sat alone and said little during the long delay inside council chambers, where he had few political allies and little hope of getting the money.

But he needed plenty of gumption to seek $375,000 from taxpayers amid a cash crunch that's drawn much public ire.

It was surely a painful afternoon for O'Neill, who didn't have answers for several questions from councillors. And it also was a difficult outcome for the unpaid employees who'd hoped city hall might step in to ensure they're paid before Christmas.

It's believed politicians feared helping with payroll could drag them into other financial obligations with the cash-strapped organization.

"I absolutely understand where city council is coming from," said one employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "With that being said, how can I not be disappointed? I was going to work just like everyone else and like most people, rely on being paid on time."

The orchestra owes about $50,000 in unpaid rent to city-owned Centennial Hall and an estimated $285,000 to ticket-buyers for now-cancelled concerts. It also carries an accumulated debt of more than $1 million.

Coun. Phil Squire was particularly irked by the situation, but also says he's prepared to support a resurrected orchestra.

"I'll be supporting an orchestra in the future," he said. "That being said, Mr. O'Neill, I would prefer that organization not have you involved in it, given what I've seen of your management of the board."

Patrick.maloney@sunmedia.ca

Twitter.com/patatLFPress

ORCHESTRA LONDON TIMELINE

Dec. 8: Orchestra London executive director Joe Swan and board president Joe O’Neill say they determined an expected $350,000 donation was falling apart.

Dec. 9: the pair meets with The Free Press that then reports the lost gift has left the orchestra with a six-figure deficit from last season, pushing it to the edge of bankruptcy.

Dec. 10: The Free Press learns orchestra employees, including musicians, are going unpaid and concerts are being cancelled.

Dec. 11: The orchestra locks its Wellington St. offices and acknowledges ticket buyers won’t get refunds for cancelled shows.

Dec. 16: The orchestra board announces the resignation of Swan as it publicly details its request for an emergency $375,000 infusion from taxpayers.

Dec. 18: City politicians vote overwhelmingly against giving the independent non-profit symphony any more money.