Sangamon County officials have proposed implementing a 3-percent hotel-motel tax dedicated to expansion of the Bank of Springfield Center to avoid further costly delays as state lawmakers consider a new Capital Area Tourism Authority.
Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said during a Tuesday afternoon news conference at the center that the recommendation follows a four-month planning period with consultant Garfield Public/Private. The consultant told county officials that each three-month delay could add $2 million to the expansion’s cost. Van Meter said if the county board approves the 3-percent tax next week, work could begin on the BOS Center expansion next fall.
Senator Doris Turner proposed the tourism authority in the spring, but lawmakers did not advance the measure in the busy final hours of the session. Turner said the entire area will benefit from the project.
Representative Mike Coffey said Springfield has lost too many conventions and events to wait any longer.
The state has already granted the county the authority to implement the tax. The county board will consider the tax at Tuesday’s meeting.
