File #: 2018-0420    Version: 1
Type: Ordinance Status: Lapsed
File created: 9/4/2018 In control: Committee of the Whole
On agenda: Final action: 2/1/2019
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: AN ORDINANCE establishing February 12, 2019, as the date for an advisory measure special election on the question of the amount, if any, of revenues from the applicable lodging tax King County should transfer to the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District to help defray the costs of capital improvements to Safeco Field's existing infrastructure and the ballpark's maintenance.
Sponsors: Rod Dembowski
Attachments: 1. 2018-0419-&-0420-2019 ATT3 Election Dates Memo, 2. 2019-0419_and_0420_SR_Lodging_Tax_PFD_Advisory_Measures
Drafter
Clerk 09/04/2018
title
AN ORDINANCE establishing February 12, 2019, as the date for an advisory measure special election on the question of the amount, if any, of revenues from the applicable lodging tax King County should transfer to the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District to help defray the costs of capital improvements to Safeco Field's existing infrastructure and the ballpark's maintenance.
Body
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities
District ("the PFD") operates the publicly owned Safeco Field ("the ballpark").
2. Since 1967, the King County lodging tax has been used to finance the construction of two professional sports stadiums and an exhibition center.
3. Currently there is a funding agreement proposed between the county and the PFD, whereby the county would transfer a portion of future lodging tax revenues, starting in 2021 and to be coterminous with the PFD leasing the ballpark to the Baseball Club of Seattle, L.L.L.P. ("the Baseball Club"). As proposed, the transferred tax revenues could only be used for capital improvements to the existing infrastructure of the ballpark. The proposed agreement does not authorize public funding on upgrades to the ballpark, such as suites or so-called Club spaces. The proposed agreement further requires that all modernization upgrades, as well as all operation and maintenance expenses be paid for by the Baseball Club during the lease term and any extensions.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Findings:
A. The presence of a Major League Baseball team in King County provides a substantial public benefit to the residents of the county.
B. A continued investment in the publicly owned Safeco Field ("the ballpark") is necessary to ensure that it remain a source of wholesome, family-centered entertainment and provide a sense of enhanced civic pride as well as a positive impact on the local an...

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