During the city council work session in preparation for the June 12 regular council meeting, several representatives of Cumberland County gave a presentation about the proposed expo center and one way to fund the project.
The presentation on the expo center was given by Donnie Moody, director of the Community Complex where the building is proposed to be constructed. The plans are for the construction of a 60,000 square foot multipurpose building with 45,000 square feet of open space plus a large commercial teaching kitchen.
Community Complex manager Donnie Moody speaks
to Crossville officials about County plans for the proposed
Expo Center.
The county got a rough estimate of costs about 6 months ago that totaled $3.8 million but recent increases in costs of steel and other building material will raise the cost by the time construction could start sometime next year.
Moody said the current 7200 square foot exhibit building is no longer big enough for events that people want to rent facilities to hold. The current exhibit building would fit inside the proposed expo center 4 times. The large space with 48-foot ceilings can also be divided into three smaller areas if needed. In addition a breakout room, hallway and several garage doors.
Because the financing for the project requires a large bond issue, the county is proposing a so-called restaurant privilege tax that essentially adds a 1 percent tax to all restaurant bills. According to County Commissioner Wendell Wilson that would at 35 cents to a $35 bill or $1.00 to a $100 restaurant bill. According to Wilson Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville have already put a similar tax into effect. The revenue from the tax would be earmarked for payments on bonds or loans for the expo center for the 20-year term.
Cumberland County Commissioner Wendell Wilson
explains the financial side of the County Expo Center
proposal.
County Mayor Kenneth Carey advised the council that having the city support the plan by a resolution would help to get the matter approved by the Tennessee General Assembly that would have to approve the private act for the institution of the tax. Council could take action Tuesday.
Council discussed the pros and cons of taking a short section of Thurman Avenue that is currently one way and returning to two way traffic. The change has been requested by businesses along the one block stretch of road. Potential issues include the narrow road, possible loss of parking and the planning commission's recommendation that the change not be made. A decision may come at the council's regular meeting.
Section of Thurman Ave. that is currently
one way only.
Council advised Crossville city manager Greg Wood to move forward with plans for active shooter training for city employees. Crossville police chief David Beaty said due to concern about the safety of city hall employees and at other city operations, the 2-hour training session was recommended.
Council will put off taking action on proposed tournament perks and fee adjustments that have been worked on by the Sports and Entertainment Committee. There is still work that needs to be done on the proposal.
