The Tacoma City Council is expected to vote on a resolution June 28 to support a ballot initiative that would fund $45 million worth of renovations to the Tacoma Dome, according to yesterdays council study session. If the resolution is passed, a citizens advisory committee would begin an aggressive, three-month marketing, fundraising, and community outreach campaign to achieve the number of votes required to validate the bond and begin improvements to the Tacoma landmark.
We need to bring back the original excitement and glory that was the initial Tacoma Dome, said Harold Moss, the former mayor and Pierce County councilmember who now chairs the citizens advisory committee. Moss urged the mayor and city council to pass the resolution during its meeting on Tuesday.
According to the citys Public Facilities Department (PFD), which operates the Dome, the 20-year-old venue is difficult to market due to its outdated condition. PFD Director Mike Combs told the council that improvements to the Dome would prevent existing annual events from moving to more modern facilities — such as White River Amphitheatre in Auburn and Key Arena in Seattle — as well as prevent a reduction in revenue from concert promoters passing over the Dome for these newer facilities. Combs added that these modern facilities increase the expectations of eventgoers accustomed to modern facilities — expectations that the Dome simply cannot meet.
The Dome needs to compete on a new scale, said Combs.
The $45 million bond would pay for the following renovations: site work and a new marquee along Interstate 5 ($1.8 million); seating upgrades, including new upper- and lower-bowl seats, new corner fixed seating, and new benches ($8.3 million); new/upgraded locker rooms, restrooms, concession stands, performers areas, and entrance ($4.1 million); mezannine level area and storage ($1.3 million); expanded concourse and entry to fixed seating, new/upgraded concourse-level concession stands, new/upgraded concourse-level restrooms ($7.2 million); exhibition hall improvements ($1.8 million); mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades (cost: $3.8 million); event services upgrades, including new sound system and upgraded arena lighting ($3.8 million); soft costs, including architect/engineering fees, contract administration, construction management, and sales tax ($11.2 million); and bond financing ($0.8 million).
Moss, the Domes citizens advisory committee chair, stressed that the $45 million price tag would not constitute a new tax burden on voters.
We need to emphasize that this is not a new tax, but a continuation of the existing bond, he said. Indeed, the bond that funded construction of the Dome 25 years ago expire this year. The proposed bond initiative would be a tax-neutral re-issuance of that bond. By re-issuing the financial package, the net effect would be neutral to the property owner, according to Moss and PFD Director Combs. Still, continuing that bond would cost $3.29 per month for a person owning a home with an assessed value of $181,000.
Funding for improvements to public facilities will be competitive this year. Metro Parks has indicated it plans to present another bond proposition in November (the departments last effort to raise $60 million for area parks was rejected by voters last year).
Moreover, validation of the bond would require that 40% of the voters from last years general election participate in this falls special election (voters turned out in record numbers last year, but are typically less focused on special elections). Couple a 40% voter turn-out requirement with the additional requirement that 60% of the votes must be in favor of the bond continuation in order to to pass, and Dome supporters have their work cut out for them.
That concern was expressed by Councilman Mike Lonergan.
Why are we doing this the hard way? asked Lonergan. Were starting late and picking the most difficult primary. It seems like you have made it the hardest mountain to climb.
Combs said that a survey conducted this spring by Evans McDonough, Inc. indicated that 75% of respondents were in favor continuing the bond in order to fund renovations to the Dome. He added that a citizens group, which provided input on improvements to the Dome, supported the idea of a bond proposal, despite the hurdles.
The citizens group realized the challenges, and said, Go for it, said Combs.
Moss said that the bonds tax-neutral aspect would appeal to voters — and needed to be stressed as a selling point. This [bond] has not been a burden to most of us, he said. We can continue to generate revenue that can see us down the road for another 20 years. We need to emphasize that this is not a new tax, but a continuation of the bond.
Mayor Bill Baarsma cited the community pride surrounding the Dome — particularly the recent objection from Tacomans regarding plans to sell naming rights to a private business. Ive been out talking to people, he said, and there is a sense of pride. If you tap into the idea of a Dome of our own, you will have a good shot.
Mayor Baarsma and Councilmembers Rick Talbert and Bill Evans showed early support for renovations to the Dome. The City Council is expected to vote on a resolution June 28 that, if passed, would start efforts to garnering support for the ballot initiative. If that happens, supporters hope to raise $100,000 in order to wage their campaign. If voters approve a continuance of the bond, the final design process would begin in October, phased construction would begin next spring, and the Domes grand re-opening would take place in 2008 — the 25th anniversary of its opening.
We need to get out there and do yeomans work in order to get people to the polls, said Moss.
***Editors Note: The Index has reported on plans for renovations to the Tacoma Dome since last fall. For further articles and reporting on the issue, see Oct. 28, 2004 and Mar. 2, 2005 editions.***
