Skepticism won out Tuesday as the Clark County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to reject an ordinance for a countywide five percent admissions tax.
The "no" decision came after dozens of citizens voiced their opinions at a public hearing at the Clark County Public Service Center. The ordinance called for an entertainment tax aimed at patrons of movie theaters, amphitheaters, golf courses, the county fair and professional baseball. The revenue, estimated at $35.9 million over the 25-year lifespan of the tax, would have gone toward financing a $19.5 million multi-use stadium with the Yakima Bears as its principal tenant.
In the wake of the decision, Clark President Bob Knight announced in a letter to students, staff, and faculty that the proposed multi-use facility would not be built.
Commissioner Marc Boldt, seen as the board's swing vote, referenced the looming Dec. 6 Minor League Baseball winter meetings in cautioning against approving the ordinance.
"We're in this crunch," he said. "I don't know what's going to happen with the owners, but I've been in two or three spots that I've had a time crunch, and I've gone wrong every time."
A handful of local families, along with representatives from Identity Clark County, the Southwest Washington Contractors Association and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the proposal. Clark baseball coach Don Freeman indicated that the stadium would showcase Clark within the community, consequently attracting potential students and student-athletes.
Those opposing the ordinance spoke about the economic hardships county residents and businesses already face. Speakers also indicated the lack of evidence to create a direct link between the presence of professional sports and the economic prosperity of an area. Many agreed that they are not against baseball or attending games, but do not believe that the proposal set forth by the Nov. 18 draft ordinance is the ideal way to go about funding a stadium.
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