Residents of Hutchinson will decide whether to spend roughly $29 million to renovate the city’s sports arena. The project would be financed through a proposed sales tax referendum which is on the ballot for the April 7 elections. KMUW’s Sean Sandefur has more…
The .35 percent sales tax referendum would bring the overall sales tax rate for Hutchinson to 8.75 percent and be used to fund improvements to the Hutchinson Sports Arena, which opened in 1952. The city has held the National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s National Basketball Championship for over 60 years, and if renovations are approved, will host it for another 25 years.
“(The tournament) does have an impact of just over about $1.2 million each year," says Hutchinson City Manager John Deardoff. "But more importantly, the tournament is a tradition. It would mean a lot to know that that’s going to continue.”
The sales tax would be in effect for a term not to exceed 10 years, and Deardoff expects it to last for at least nine years.
The city expects the renovated sports arena to attract other national championships and it could also be used for a variety of local events. The proposed renovations would include additional gyms, a brand new entrance and improvements to the main arena.
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