Lawmakers Threaten to Pull Funding for Rochester Sports Complex
Rochester, MN (KROCAM News) - Democrat lawmakers representing Rochester have announced their intent to introduce legislation that would derail current plans for the development of a Regional Sports Complex in southeast Rochester.
The Rochester City Council recently approved the awarding of a $28 million construction contract for the facility and a $24 million budget for the purchase of tax-exempt materials needed for the project. That action led to a veto of the resolution by Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, which is the subject of a veto override vote during a special City Council meeting on Monday.
READ MORE: Rochester Mayor Vetoes Sports Complex Construction Contract
What’s at Stake in Rochester’s Sports Complex Debate
A statement issued by state representatives Kim Hicks, Tina Liebling, and Andy Smith, along with state Senator Liz Bolden, indicates that if the veto override vote is successful, they intend to introduce legislation that would revoke the city’s authorization of the local option sales tax. Rochester voters, two years ago, approved an extension of the local sales tax to provide $65 million in funding for the Regional Sports Complex project, along with road infrastructure and economic vitality initiatives.
Why Lawmakers Oppose the Current Sports Complex Plan
According to the Democrat legislators, the current plans for the sports complex no longer serve the best interests of Rochester residents. They contend the plan “serves a narrow set of special interests and ignores the community’s need for indoor recreation space.”
“As legislators, we urge the Rochester City Council to change course and return to the original goal of meeting residents’ needs for indoor recreational space,” the statement reads. “After many conversations with stakeholders and community members, it is clear to us that, as proposed, the project now falls outside of the parameters outlined in the original use of funds request. If the City Council does not change course, we plan to introduce legislation to revoke authorization to use local option sales tax funds for the project. We remain committed to meeting the needs of our community and ensuring that Rochester residents get what they voted for, and we remain willing to work with the City Council toward that goal.”
The statement issued by the lawmakers suggests the City Council should “either find a way to deliver on what voters approved or bring the significant changes back to the ballot.”
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