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Multipurpose sports complex rejected
By SAUNDRA AMRHEIN, Times Staff Writer
DADE CITY -- A request to study a multipurpose sports complex got bounced out of commission chambers Wednesday in a process that has left the county with one choice on how to spend the bulk of tourism tax dollars: tennis. The commission voted 3-2 against seeking proposals for building a multipurpose sports complex. Commissioner Pat Mulieri joined Steve Simon, the lead proponent for the complex and staunch opponent of a tennis stadium, in seeking proposals for a multipurpose complex. "I just would like to have a choice, or perhaps we could go forward with both," Mulieri said at a meeting at the Historic County Courthouse. After the idea was voted down, Simon said he remained opposed to plans put forth by Saddlebrook Resort to use $5.7-million in tourism tax dollars to build a tennis stadium in Wesley Chapel. At first it appeared the other three commissioners were moving along with his idea until it became clear that the project would jeopardize fully funding the tennis project. "I'm ready to move forward with tennis," Commissioner Ted Schrader said. Commissioner Ann Hildebrand agreed. Having asked for proposals for a tennis stadium a year ago and receiving a presentation from Saddlebrook for its idea, the commission could not be wrenched away from the process. "You need to vote it up or down," Hildebrand said of the tennis proposal. The commissioners did not set a date on when to consider a final vote on tennis, but County Administrator John Gallagher said talks have broken down again between land owners regarding ways to build a road essential to the proposed tennis site. That issue will be discussed at Tuesday's commission meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the Historic County Courthouse in Dade City. Simon said he's not giving up on his idea. He'll ask the commissioners not to spend on tennis the entire $5.7-million accrued from tourism hotel taxes. Instead, he'll ask the commission to bond some of the money for his project, too. "If I can't get dinner, I'll make a sandwich," Simon said. Commissioners voiced support for spending future dollars on his idea, as well, even possibly raising the tourism tax from 2 cents on the dollar to 4 cents. The Tourist Development Council is also accepting ideas for smaller projects of $1-million each. Simon raised the idea of getting proposals for a multipurpose complex, drawing attention to projects built by a California company called Big League Dreams. A story in Wednesday's Times outlined three projects by the company, which has partnered with local governments to build replica stadiums for baseball and softball, covered pavilions, soccer fields and other facilities. The complexes are run by the company, which shares proceeds with local governments. The facilities hold tournaments for youth and adult leagues, as well as corporate events and community activities like sunrise prayer services. The county and the company are trying to schedule a presentation. Although the commissioners raised questions on whether such a complex could satisfy legal constraints on how to spend tourism dollars, they and their consultant KPMG have never studied it. "We haven't looked at anything that won't do that," Simon said. -- Saundra Amrhein covers Pasco County government. She can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6244, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6244. Her e-mail address is amrhein@sptimes.com .
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From today's Pasco Times Editorial |
