BC 2003 07 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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July 21, 2003 Page 190 Mr. Brian Hiatt, Concord City Manager, stated the Concord City Council's endorsement of an increase in the occupancy tax with the idea that a portion of those funds would go to pay the City's share of the debt service for the convention center to be built on city-owned property by John Q. Hammons. Mr. Chris Bramblett, operator of Christopher's Jewelers in downtown Concord, spoke in support of a convention center in Cabarrus County. Ms. Sharon Campbell, Marketing Director for Concord Mills Mall, stated that Concord Mills and the Mills Corporation strongly support the proposed convention center. She urged the Board to move forward with plans for a convention center and to increase the occupancy tax rate. Reverend Jim Gann, pastor at First Assembly Church, spoke in support of the proposed convention center and the increase in the occupancy tax. He stated the need for facilities that could host meetings of the faith-based community. Mr. Harold .Smith of Kannapolis opposed an increase in the occupancy tax and the use of occupancy tax revenue to fund a portion of the convention center. He cited concerns about the Board's use of reserve funds to balance the budget, funding of the Arena and Events Center and the proposed 25-year commitment to use occupancy tax revenue for a convention center. He stated in his opinion the County cannot afford a convention center at this time. Mr. John Clark supported the increase in the occupancy tax and the use of the occupancy tax revenue to help pay for the proposed convention center. He cited the jobs that have been lost in the textile industry and the new jobs that would be created at the convention center and adjacent hotel. Mr. Sam Salloum, who owns 12 acres of property adjacent to the convention center site, supported the increase in the occupancy tax and construction of a convention center. He cited such benefits as an increase in the tax value of his property and other adjacent property, new jobs and increased tax revenue. Ms. Ann Sternal, Executive Director of the Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB), outlined the CVB's support of the increase in the occupancy tax. She highlighted such issdes as the competitiveness of the County's occupancy tax rate with other communities, the use of a portion of the occupancy tax revenue for the Arena and Events Center and the establishment of a grant program to help bring events to Cabarrus County. Dr. George Liles, former Mayor of the City of Concord, reviewed past efforts to bring a convention center to Cabarrus County and the involvement of John Q. Hammons in the project. He supported the use of the occupancy tax revenue for the convention center and stated the need to do everything possible to increase the economy of Cabarrus County. Mr. Mike Mahaney, Kannapolis City Manager, spoke in support of the increase of the occupancy tax to construct a convention center on Speedway Boulevard and other projects. He cited a decline in manufacturing jobs and commented on the new job opportunities and expanded tax base the proposed facility would bring to Cabarrus County. Mr. Bruce Hoff, taxpayer, stated in his opinion the convention center would bring additional tax base and diversity to the community. However, he stated the Board should take the time to make sure the right decision is made. Mr. Robert Morrison, resident of McDonough, Georgia and owner of property in Cabarrus County, questioned Concord's ownership of the water in Cabarrus County. He complained he is unable to get public water service to his property located outside the City limits and therefore cannot develop and sell the property. He also questioned the amount of water that will be used by the proposed hotel and convention center. Mr. Richard Flowe supported the occupancy tax increase and the proposed convention center. He stated in his opinion the convention center is an excellent opportunity for Cabarrus County and would serve as a catalyst in generating more room nights and increasing the occupancy tax revenue. Mr. Jay Howard, Chairman of the Tourism Authority Board of Directors, spoke in support of the increase in the occupancy tax and the plan to earmark