An aerial view from the northwest depicts proposed developments to expand the Monroe County convention center, which is at West Third Street and South College Avenue. Courtesy rendering
An aerial view from the northwest depicts proposed developments to expand the Monroe County convention center, which is at West Third Street and South College Avenue. Courtesy rendering
Who will pay for the proposed convention center expansion and new hotel?

Is the adoption of a food and beverage tax the right option, or are there other alternatives?

These questions and more were on county council members' minds Tuesday night when the seven-member board received an update on an estimated $72 million proposal to expand the downtown Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center and construct a new hotel.

“I think the funding possibilities are the 800-pound gorilla in the room,” John Whikehart, a member of the Monroe County Convention Center Advisory Commission, told county council members Tuesday night. But the commission has not been charged, so far, to examine this aspect. That responsibility may fall to the county council.

While there is general support for the project, figuring out how to pay for it could not have been solved Tuesday night.

Eric Spoonmore, county councilman and commission member, said it will take time, research, collaboration with the city of Bloomington and public input before they have a solution. Spoonmore said getting a better grasp of all the options available will help ensure that the project is funded not only in a responsible way, but in the best interest of all county residents.
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