Raise taxes for new convention center?

[thelakelander]

What about trying to put together a public/private partnership?

Center could be paid for by tax

By LIZ FLAISIG,
The Times-Union

Gauging public support to pay for a new or expanded convention center could be done by putting a referendum before voters, the city's convention center task force agreed Thursday night.


A half-cent sales tax referendum could raise money for expansion of the existing center or to build a new one, the group said.

Earlier this week, City Councilman Ray Holt also suggested approaching voters to use a half-cent increase to replace some or all of the garbage and storm-water fees just approved to close the city's $65 million budget deficit.

In a 90-minute meeting at the downtown library, the task force steered away from deciding whether the Prime Osborn Convention Center should be expanded or a new facility be built adjacent to the Hyatt Regency hotel.

Instead, members focused on whether a larger convention center is right for the city, what its financial implications might be and how to pay for it.

The shift away from choosing a location was discussed before and after the task force's Facility Operations Subcommittee presented its endorsement to expand the existing convention center. The subcommittee said if the city plans to continue using the Prime Osborn in any capacity, building a new convention center would mean still covering the Prime Osborn's operational costs.

Though a new convention center adjacent to the Hyatt could bring in more revenue than the existing center, it would not be enough to surpass expenses because most centers run at a deficit, the subcommittee determined in its report.

Also, a larger center, new or expanded, would require a larger marketing budget.

Without those funds, space could sit idle.

Earlier this month, the Prime Osborn and Hyatt area were chosen over two other locations in a special meeting for the final feasibility presentation from consultant Conventions Sports & Leisure International.

Because the city has said no money will be available from the general fund, the task force has been exploring raising $40 million to $60 million with money available in 2009 after the Prime Osborn debt is retired.

But if it were to win support for the half-cent sales tax increase, it would be able to raise more money.

Task force member Charles Appleby said the referendum would be akin to finding out if a public "appetite" exists to pay for new or expanded space.

If approved, the sales tax increase would be county-wide and possibly help pay for other downtown projects that would help grow retail, restaurants and other businesses needed to support large convention crowds.

Members acknowledged voters could be hindered by a referendum that lacks a specific site but agreed to continue looking at both sites while finishing its recommendations.

The next report will be from the Return on Investment subcommittee, which has three meetings scheduled before its Oct. 25 report to the full task force.

The task force was organized by the Jacksonville & the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau with Jacksonville Community Council Inc. as facilitators.

Its meetings are set to finish in late October. A written recommendation will go to Mayor John Peyton and the City Council by mid-November.

liz.flaisig@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4640

This story can be found on Jacksonville.com at http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/092807/met_203478779.shtml.

[Steve]

Wile I agree we need a new convention center, another one of these 1/2 cent sales taxes diesn't make sense.

When does it end?


PRESS RELEASE
JANUARY 24TH, 2051

City Council Member Joe Smith Proposes a 1/2 cent sales tax to add a new parking garage in the Sports Complex for Flying Cars.  This would raise the Sales Tax to 21 1/2 Percent.

[vicupstate]

I SERIOUISLY, SERIOUSLY doubt that this is a genuine proposal.  What this really is, is an effort to effectively kill any consideration for a Convention Center.  The timing, just a day or two after three new fees levied on the citizenry is just FAR TOO CONVENIENT. 

Peyton doesn't want a Center, and he is trying to kill the effort to build one.  The fact that the Study group put the C.C. idea on ice as soon as it was 'discovered' that any alternative would cost $100mm speaks volumes. 

Every single study done has shown that already.  Why was there even any effort to study it again if the price tag was a showstopper.  The study group was just a pacifier for the Pro-Convention crowd until the election was over.  It's all show and no substance.

[Ocklawaha]

I am certain that the new "Rail Study" by JTA is the same thing. Just a dog and pony show to collect more insane figures to shut-up the "Rail" crowd and prove their infinate wisdom in building a BILLION DOLLAR BUS.  

Ocklawaha

[Timkin]

Until/Unless there is totally "new blood" running our City/JTA/JEA/WHATEVER.......

I oppose being taxed even further , for any project.  I just do not believe in any of these people .

[kells904]

I'm with you, Timkin.  No more evidence is needed to prove these people don't know what to do with the money they're given. 

...Maybe they could hire a consultant firm to conduct a study on how to efficiently spend tax revenue?

[Timkin]

If THEY get to choose the Consultant Firm, NO DEAL   I don't trust them .

[simms3]

Sales taxes in NE FL range from 6.5% to 7.0%, and several counties will see their extra 1/2 cent sunset in 2019 and 2029.  That's really not that high.  Atlanta's sales tax are 8%, Birmingham's are 10% I believe, Chicago's are 11%.  I think most cities have at least 8% sales tax.

Jacksonville is soooo cheap!  Our wealthies county, SJC, has the lowest sales tax and I believe the lowest ad valorem taxes.

[Timkin]

No Argument there, Simms...

The people running Jacksonville do not properly use the tax money they now get from us...So why let them have more? That is my position.