Kennewick council OKs asking voters for sales tax increase for theater project
The Kennewick City Council voted Tuesday to allow the city’s public facilities district to ask voters for a sales tax increase to pay for a Broadway-caliber theater and expansion at Three Rivers Convention Center.
Council member John Trumbo cast the sole dissenting vote in the 5-1 decision.
Public facilities district officials have said they could put the tax increase on the ballot as soon as August. If approved, it would add 2 cents to every $10 sale and would generate $3.5 million annually.
Trumbo praised the proposed facility’s features but said it would be an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers. Two residents at the meeting agreed with him, saying it would create a disincentive for people to shop locally and would hit low-income families hardest.
Other council members said the project has too many benefits to not have it considered by voters. It could draw big touring shows to the city and address demand from newer and younger residents wanting cultural activities such as the performing arts. A larger convention center also would help the city hold onto its biggest conventions and attract new ones.
“I don’t like it being simplified, there’s a whole lot more that’s at play,” said Mayor Pro Tem Don Britain.
The public facilities district has proposed a 2,300-seat theater along with a 50,000-square foot convention center expansion and a 30,000-square foot lobby that would potentially connect the Toyota Center to the convention and theater complex. The addition has been tentatively called The Link.
Kennewick businessman Vincent Rundhaug said the council should find another revenue source for the project, as a sales tax increase will predominantly affect the city’s lower earners despite the fact they’ll be the least likely to use the facility.
Resident Jim Wade said the project is only for the arts and crafts community and “a waste of taxpayer money to satisfy a few.”
Council member Paul Parish said he is firmly behind the project, saying it “will bring in a lot of sales tax and be predominantly paid for by the people who come to use it.”
Council member Bob Parks said just because he agreed voters should be consulted on the project doesn’t mean he’ll vote for it or encourage others. Project backers needed to give Kennewick residents an incentive to support it, such as providing discounted tickets for those living in the city.
“If it’s just another tax then I’ll probably vote no and I’ll tell others to vote no, too,” Parks said.
Ty Beaver: 509-582-1402, @_tybeaver
This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 9:14 PM with the headline "Kennewick council OKs asking voters for sales tax increase for theater project."