By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Geary County Commissioners will not pursue a feasibility study on sports facility or sports complex improvements that might be possible. They will wait until a determination is made on possibly increasing the transient guest tax and what officials are seeking.
Approximately $816,700 is available in TGT funds for sports complex improvements but that is far short of any amount needed for a major sports facility. The TGT rate in Geary County is six percent, below the tates charged in Abilene or Manhattan. Commissioner Trish Giordano has mentioned a possible 1% increase with money used for local facility improvements, for example, such as a new county softball field or rodeo arena improvements. ( Other ideas could be possible ).
Commissioner Keith Ascher pushed the feasibility study idea and suggested having the Convention & Visitors Bureau check to see what companies are available to do an assessment, and if the sports complex idea is not possible, make recommendations on how to enhance existing facilities.
Commissioner Kathy Tremont did not second that move at this time, noting that something needs to be done but there are too many unknowns. Giordano feels the county first needs to know what they're going to be seeking. How could the money be used?
The transient guest tax topic is expected to be back on the county commission meeting agenda next Monday.