AG 2003 10 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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· Level II grants are equivalent to a maximum of 90% of the revenues received from the local option 1 cent and three local option ~ cent sales taxes generated by the project, less State collection fees, plus up to 90% of the revenues from the 6% local occupancy tax generated by the project, less County collection fees, for a period not to exceed five full years of operation. Commissioner Privette commended the work that had been done on the proposed Hotel and Conference Center Incentive Grant Program. However, he expressed concern about the financial situation of the Arena and Events Center (Expo), specifically the estimated shortfall of approximately $2 million this year and the need to increase the use of that facility. He proposed that the Expo be developed to make it sultable for horse shows and that the proposed incentive program be amended to encourage development in the area surrounding the facility. There was discussion regarding the proposed incentive program and the need to make the Expo a profitable operation. The following issues were addressed: (1) Reduction in the minimum number of hotel rooms for a project to qualify for the program; (2) Proposed one cent increase in the occupancy tax that would provide revenue for the incentive program and/or upgrades at the Expo; (3) Importance of agricultural events at the Expo; (4) Availability of land at the Expo for horse facilities; and (5) Development of a program that would encourage construction of hotels/motels and other businesses in the vicinity of the Expo. At 7:44 p.m., Chairman Freeman opened the meeting for comments from the public. Mr. Jerry Williamson, resident of Marsh Avenue in Concord, commented on a number of issues, including the shortfall at the Expo, the golf course and parking deck (City of Concord) and the Governmental Center. He stated the need for more accountability as to how taxpayer money is used and objected to "subsidizing" John Q. Hammons in the construction of a convention center. Mr. Doug Stafford, Executive Vice President of Lowe's Motor Speedway and co-owner of two local hotels, described his experience in the travel/tourism and hotel business over the past 25 years. He objected to the proposed incentive grant program because he stated the convention center would be privately owned. Mr. Stafford stressed the importance of public ownership in order to make sure the convention center is not used for a single purpose and will benefit other hotels/businesses as well as the citizens in the community. He responded to questions regarding publicly-owned versus privately-owned convention centers, including the use of public facilities and the payment of property taxes for privately owned facilities. Vice Chairman Suggs stated for the record that the proposed Hotel and Convention Center Incentive Grant Program was not "hls and Commissioner Carpenter's proposal." Commissioner Carruth made a motion, seconded by Cor~nlssioner Carpenter, to adopt the Hotel and Conference Center Incentive grant program as submitted with the minimum number of rooms for a Level I project reduced from 150 to 100 rooms. There was discussion about the possibility of amending the proposed incentive grant program and/or developing a new program that would help to attract hotels and businesses to property adjacent to the Arena and Events Center. Also, Mr. Hartsell noted the possibility of modifying the proposed program to address the issue raised by Mr. Stafford as to the use of a convention center. He also pointed out that the proposed program provides ~that additional criteria may be applied to a specific project based upon the terms of the agreement between the hotel/conference center developer and the County." ~IPON SD~BSTITUTZ MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Chairman Freeman with Commissioner Privette, Chairman Freeman and Vice Chairman Suggs voting for and Commissioners Carpenter and Carruth voting against, the Board voted to delay consideration of the proposed Hotel and Conference Center Incentive Grant Program until the meeting in October. (F-S) Resolution Increasing the Occu~anc~ Tax from Five Percent to Six Percent UI:OH MOTION of Commissioner Carruth, seconded by Chairman Freeman and unanimously carried, the Board tabled consideration of the proposed Resolution increasing the occupancy tax until the Board meeting in October. There was discussion regarding the need to address the issues raised by Mr. Stafford and to develop provisions to help facilitate development around the Arena and Events Center. The Board agreed by consensus for Commissioners Privette and Carruth to meet with Mr. Stafford to discuss the proposed Incentive Grant Program and ~ssues associated w~th the convention center. It was further agreed that Mr. Day would work with this committee to draft any changes to the proposed incentive program.