Possible projects could have you paying taxes twice
KENNEWICK-- "I think it would have a big economic outreach to everyone," says Melissa Blasdel a local hotel manager.
The Regional Public Facilities District Board decided a proposed aquatics center will make the biggest splash at Pasco's TRAC facility.
Kennewick city council member Don Britain says, "I support the aquatics center."
While Kennewick Councilman Don Britain likes the money the aquatics center could bring, he also says the needs of the convention center must also be considered as the Tri-Cities grow.
He says, "If we don't have the room to bring in these conventions and people, then we have to turn them away. So, at some point, the expansion of the convention center would be vitally important, not only to Kennewick, but for the whole Tri-Cities."
Blasdel says, "I think that will create more economic dollars for the hotels and local businesses - restaurants."
If the city moves forward with the Three Rivers expansion without regional funding, Kennewick voters could have to decide two sales tax increases. One for the aquatics center and one for the convention center. Hotel manager Melissa Blasdel doesn't think voters will mind.
She says, "I believe if they understand what the big picture is then they will definitely vote to increase sales tax to support both the aquatics center and the convention center expansion."
I asked councilman Britain if he thinks the Tri-Cities could risk losing both projects if they go against each other on the ballot.
He says, "That is a hard question to answer. I don't have a crystal ball in front of me."
Both proposals still need clearance from each city council and the state before going to the voters.
Dayna Kathan, Action News.
The Regional Public Facilities District Board decided a proposed aquatics center will make the biggest splash at Pasco's TRAC facility.
Kennewick city council member Don Britain says, "I support the aquatics center."
While Kennewick Councilman Don Britain likes the money the aquatics center could bring, he also says the needs of the convention center must also be considered as the Tri-Cities grow.
He says, "If we don't have the room to bring in these conventions and people, then we have to turn them away. So, at some point, the expansion of the convention center would be vitally important, not only to Kennewick, but for the whole Tri-Cities."
Blasdel says, "I think that will create more economic dollars for the hotels and local businesses - restaurants."
If the city moves forward with the Three Rivers expansion without regional funding, Kennewick voters could have to decide two sales tax increases. One for the aquatics center and one for the convention center. Hotel manager Melissa Blasdel doesn't think voters will mind.
She says, "I believe if they understand what the big picture is then they will definitely vote to increase sales tax to support both the aquatics center and the convention center expansion."
I asked councilman Britain if he thinks the Tri-Cities could risk losing both projects if they go against each other on the ballot.
He says, "That is a hard question to answer. I don't have a crystal ball in front of me."
Both proposals still need clearance from each city council and the state before going to the voters.
Dayna Kathan, Action News.
