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Officials say no tax increase for new arena

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By DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Monday, Jun 02, 2008 - 12:19:24 am CDT

Lincoln officials believe they can build a new arena without an increase in property taxes.

In fact, they say they won’t use property taxes at all.

“Property taxes are not a part of the arena financing plan,” Mayor Chris Beutler said Friday. “We plan to figure out a way to do it without them.”

Story Photo
Plans for the new arena.
Avoiding Omaha's mistakes

How Lincoln hopes to pay for an arena:

Price tag? Roughly $200 million, assuming private contributions of $20 million to $30 million.

How will they pay for it? General obligation bonds paid off with arena revenue, turnback sales tax, hotel occupancy tax and tax increment financing.

Will property taxes pay for it? If revenue doesn't come in as projected, property taxes could be tapped, but city officials say they don't intend to use property taxes.

How Omaha built the Qwest:

Price tag? $216 million, plus $75 million in private contributions.

How'd they pay for it? Property, sales and hotel taxes; arena revenue, tax increment financing and the state turnback tax.

How'd that turn out? Revenue has not come in as projected, requiring the city to use more property taxes than projected, and a property tax increase is expected in coming years to help pay off arena debt.

*Source: Omaha and Lincoln finance offices

He thinks it’s important to stay away from property taxes, because, he said, it’s one of the least popular forms of taxation and already heavily relied upon in Lincoln.

That doesn’t mean taxes would be off the table: The arena would be financed with a combination of other types of taxes, such as  sales and hotel occupancy taxes.

Surely, it’d be easier to sell the arena to voters in the spring if a property tax increase isn’t part of the price tag.

But here’s the hitch: Officials want to finance the arena with a general obligation bond. And those bonds are backed by the city’s taxing authority. Which means if the other tax dollars and arena revenue doesn’t roll in as expected to make payments on arena construction debt, property taxes could be tapped.

Beutler said that’s an “extremely improbable situation” because “we’re going to make conservative estimates.”

City Finance Director Don Herz said the city will have to scrounge up about $15 million per year to make payments on a $200 million bond issue.

“We will be making the strongest effort not to have to levy a property tax,” Herz said. “We will probably do like Omaha (did), looking for new revenue sources that would cover the debt.”

Lincoln officials might want to stay away from Omaha analogies.

Omaha officials will likely break their promise to voters — which was even put in writing on the 2000 ballot — that they wouldn’t increase property taxes to pay off their $216 million bond issue for the Qwest Center.

The Omaha mayor now says property taxes will likely be increased in coming years to pay off arena debt.

Lincoln officials want to use a general obligation bond because, unlike revenue bonds, they’d have a lower interest rate. That would save the city tens of millions of dollars in interest, Herz said.

But that asterisk could worry people: What if revenue doesn’t come in as projected, as in Omaha?

Lincoln officials promise not to use property taxes.

“I think they can take that to the bank,” Beutler said.

Omaha had planned to pay off arena debt with sales tax dollars, increased hotel taxes, parking fees, seat taxes, tax increment financing and the state turnback tax. They made their projections during the booming late 1990s, but 9-11 softened the convention market, and the money didn’t flow in as predicted.

“I would say the tax increment financing and seat tax are pretty much the only thing that have come in as projected,” said Omaha City Finance Director Carol Ebdon.

Nobody could have predicted the terrorist attacks, but Omaha also wrongly assumed its sales tax revenue would continue growing like gangbusters as in the late 1990s. Instead, 8 and 9 percent revenue increases dwindled to 1 and 2 percent.

The turnback tax dollars —sales taxes from the Qwest and its hotel that are diverted from the state back to Omaha — also came in well below projections, in part due to slower convention business. A rewriting of the complicated turnback formula has plumped up revenue, but it’s still not at the level predicted in 2000, Ebdon said.

Even parking revenue has lagged below projections, Ebdon said.

As a result, Omaha has relied heavily on property taxes to make its annual $12.8 million arena debt payment. Property tax revenue has accounted for roughly 77 percent of payments, rather than the 36 percent initially predicted.

Ebdon has only worked for Omaha since 2004 and wasn’t involved in making revenue projections for the Qwest, but her advice for Lincoln is, “You just have to be careful about projections.”

Herz said that won’t be a problem. He said Omaha banked on better-than-normal growth in sales and property taxes.

“Predicting that you’re always going to exceed your revenue is a little aggressive,” he said. “I think we’re using very conservative estimates.”

To make roughly $15 million in annual bond payments, Lincoln is looking at using a variety of revenue streams, such as arena revenue, the turnback tax, a hotel occupancy tax, car rental tax, lodging tax and tax increment financing.

Herz says he’s “close” to the $15 million mark. Arena revenue (such as naming rights, suite premiums, parking fees and seat taxes) should account for about one-third of the annual revenue needed, he said.

Although mentioned as potential revenue sources last year, property, sales and wheel taxes have been ruled out by the city, Herz said.

Even if property taxes are off the table, city officials will have to explain how the city can afford a $200 million project when it faces multi-million-dollar budget shortfalls year after year.

The short answer is that the sources of money for the arena can’t be used to fund the city’s budget. Herz thinks the better question is, “Can you afford not to replace Pershing?”

Property taxes or not, voters will ultimately decide the answer to that question.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.


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What a sell job wrote on June 2, 2008 12:40 am:
" That arena will NEVER pay its own way. Can you say BOONDOGGLE? Fix up the Devaney Center and USE IT! Tear down those horse barns on the north and put up a BIG parking garage. Any other problems you'd like me to solve will incur a consulting fee. This one is on the house. "

 Tax payer wrote on June 2, 2008 12:53 am:
" Don't be fooled if they build it the tax payers will pay for it. "

 eric wrote on June 2, 2008 1:29 am:
" build it and they will come. this sound GREAT!! Let's start building now "

 haha wrote on June 2, 2008 5:25 am:
" and you guys cry about a new jail. "

 Steve U wrote on June 2, 2008 6:06 am:
" Read my lips: No New Taxes. "

 Terry wrote on June 2, 2008 6:20 am:
" Yah, right. "

 Jim wrote on June 2, 2008 6:48 am:
" A new arena and convention center in Lincoln will be a black hole for tax dollars. Omaha has a cheaper airport to fly into and the Omaha area has many more entertainment options. Yet, they are struggling. Lincoln will fair far worse. While I understand that the hotel developer will pay for the convention center, it will only be a few short years before they realize that it is a losing cause and ask the city to bail them out. As far as the arena? Something is needed to replace the antiquated Pershing Center. But I think our city leaders vision is too big. Lincoln will never draw A-list entertainment. We're more of a B & C-list city. So a 10,000 seat arena should be enough. (that will also give the Nebraska mens basketball team its best shot at a sellout. Ha!) "

 Build it wrote on June 2, 2008 7:10 am:
" Great! Let's get started. What are we waiting for? "

 Let the nay sayers begin wrote on June 2, 2008 7:24 am:
" Can't wait to read the groans on this website when I check back in. However it's long overdue Lincoln. We need to compete with Omaha or we're toast. "

 Yeah Right wrote on June 2, 2008 7:48 am:
" I would bet my last dollar that the taxpayers would get stuck with paying for this. Now is not a good time to build anything as the cost of materials alone is outrageous. I have heard this comment about property taxes many time in the 30+ years I have paid property taxes in lincoln. I agree with "what a sell job". Remember building the devaney center. Cigarette tax to pay for the building to be dropped when the building was completed. Guess what? Still paying taxes to finance the thing. Use it, tax money is keeping it going. And, for a bond? Who will vote this thing in? Will it be like the new jail? You taxpayers have no choice that we do it, just how do you want to pay for it. Know how to tell if a politician is lying? When he opens his mouth. Get ready to be in total debt of about 2 billion dollars lincoln, with the construction of antelope valley, jail, hotel, convention center-hotel, sewer, schools and probably other misc. things , I would bet my house tax goes up around three to four hundred a year. Promise or Not, It will be up to the taxpayers to finanace and keep this white elephant running. "

 Visitor wrote on June 2, 2008 7:56 am:
" I come to lincoln three or four times a year to see relatives. Now that I know the hotel tax will help pay for this thing, I can see I will be hit for extra hotel taxes to help you pay for it. I will stay outside the city limits to save a few bucks. I left the city and state because of high taxes and I will do everything I can to keep from leaving more of my hard earned dollars for lincolns leaders to squander. Thanks LJS for the article, You have helped me and as many people as I can tell , how the city is going to stick visitors who come there. "

 Bob wrote on June 2, 2008 8:03 am:
" I see this as more as a replacement for Devaney than Pershing. We can't compete with Omaha (think demographics, airport, casino's, zoo) so Lincoln needs something different to set us apart. This makes more alike Omaha in theory. Why are so many so gun ho to get this done? Omaha couldn't fiscally pull this off so why does Lincoln think it can with dramatically less population/tourism? Can't wait to read all of the comments from people who think this will be a success... "

 If you build it.... wrote on June 2, 2008 8:08 am:
" they will still come to Omaha. Lincoln will never compete with Omaha when it comes to attracting quality entertainment. Ask Gallup why they left your town...building this will only make the inevitable clearer, the leaders of Lincoln have egos way beyond what their bank accounts can cover. The only way this could happen from a financial standpoint, is for Nebraska to add casino's and stop those dollars going to Iowa. "

 Kevin wrote on June 2, 2008 8:13 am:
" I am all for building the arena and convention center; I think it is a great idea and something that Lincoln desperately needs. But I also would expect to see a property tax increase at some point down the line in order to pay for it, despite everything Mayor Beutler says to the contrary. "

 The even better question wrote on June 2, 2008 8:13 am:
" is "What is the city going to do with Pershing?" I think our leaders should have a plan in place before they ask the voters for an approval on the arena. (which I support) "

 wait and see wrote on June 2, 2008 8:18 am:
" They won't have to raise taxes because they Probably all ready have,
the new taxes statements are coming in the mail starting today. Get ready "

 What part of this is confusing wrote on June 2, 2008 8:23 am:
" "How'd that turn out? Revenue has not come in as projected, requiring the city to use more property taxes than projected, and a property tax increase is expected in coming years to help pay off arena debt.

*Source: Omaha and Lincoln finance offices " "

 Becca wrote on June 2, 2008 8:28 am:
" I would like for Lincoln to have a new arena that is reasonably sized and priced, Pershing is outdated and probably in disrepair. However, to have our City officials tell us that it won't be paid for by property taxes and then say that they intend to issue General Obligation bonds is just an oxymoron. General Obligations bonds are backed by the full taxing authority of the issuer. Where do you think they City will turn if it gets into trouble? Omaha put in writing on their 2000 ballot that property taxes would not be used, but they have had to use property taxes in a very large way. Come on, current City officials say that they do not "intend" to use property taxes to pay for a bond issue that is structured to be backed by taxes. What?

I appreciate them trying, but it sort of feels like wool-over-the-eyes.

By the time property taxes would be tapped to pay for this, Mayor Buetler will be out of office. This might be his swan song turned wail. City Finance Director is a position appointed by the Mayor, so for Don Herz sake, I hope this works out okay. "

 m wrote on June 2, 2008 8:34 am:
" I am a taxpayer and I don't mind paying for such things. I would definitely rather have the city spend our money on a new arena rather than a new jail. If we get a new jail and not a new arena, it will be clear what the city's priorities are. All of you complaining about our property taxes need to direct your complaints to LPS not the City. "

 ok wrote on June 2, 2008 8:43 am:
" Ok, get ready for the million dollar blitz campaign on how good it will be and how we can not afford not to build it. Then when all is said and done you may be able to vote on it but your vote will not count. "

 Dennis wrote on June 2, 2008 8:44 am:
" First, compare the article about Buetler's arena with Ed Meyer's column on the scientific commitment being made in other places in the world. Buetler is committed to circuses (without bread)which places us futher behind while others take a more mature approach to the use of resources.
Second, tax increment financing is a method of taking property taxes for the project.
Third, taking other taxes still leaves us with less to pay for what is really needed such as education, environmental protection, infrastructure repair, and so forth. There is no free lunch from shifting to another tax. Citizens pay all of them and when they are used for circuses, they are not available for what is most needed. "

 JT wrote on June 2, 2008 8:53 am:
" The bottom line is that Pershing has to go, it's twenty years out of date. I'd love to see a new arena without the convention center. "

 Joe wrote on June 2, 2008 9:10 am:
" What a bunch of lies! They probably figure its going to get shot down by the voters so they come up with lies about not having to raise property taxes to pay for it. If Omaha couldn't do it without property tax increases, and the way Lincolns tax money is mismanaged, what makes them think they can do it without property tax increases? "

 Glass Half-Full wrote on June 2, 2008 9:31 am:
" Good things always come at a cost. I'm tired of people in Nebraska wanting the best things but they aren't willing to pay for it. A new arena would mean new, enticing jobs that would keep the younger job-force in the state. As for the quality of entertainment, who's to say Lincoln can't get the A-list performers? Kearney's event center just had the hottest country duo, Sugarland, in concert. If Kearney can get shows like that, Lincoln should be able to sign nothing but the best.
QUIT FIGHTING THIS...IT'S A GOOD THING FOR THE CITY AND IT'S CITIZENS! "

 Phil Ryan wrote on June 2, 2008 9:49 am:
" I seem to remember people from the Fire Department and their friends in government telling us how no City funds would be needed to run the ambulance service, that it would pay for itself.
I hope we're not being lied to now, as we were then. "

 Omahan in Lincoln wrote on June 2, 2008 9:50 am:
" Omaha's arena is just fine, it's the convention ceter that isn't pulling its weight. Husker Basketball, plus beer sales, equals money in the bank. Omahans flock to Creighton games for the atmosphere, not the basketball. Get that past Osborne and get it built. "

 Maynard Krebs wrote on June 2, 2008 9:56 am:
" With gas over $4/gallon and news of airlines losing six Billion (with a B) dollars this year worldwide; with American Airlines charging $15 for the First Bag you check, do you really see people travling like they used to? What is the point of the convention center and hotel if no one can afford to come? I agree with the majority of those comments previously posted stating that they too are skeptical of property taxes not being applied to this project. It is much too obvious that the door is open with phrases like "we're hoping" or "it is not our intent" since it is not written into the proposal and could not be changed in a closed session city council meeting in the future. We are going to get hoodwinked. Do yourselves a favor and vote out everyone currently holding office that has anything to do with ramroding this project down our throats. "

 Thanks wrote on June 2, 2008 10:03 am:
" to everyone who voted for Chris. How does thim man get elected Mayor? I think that is just a sign on how easy Lincoln residents get duped into believing anything. If you truly believe this article, you may want to do some research on how Omaha is paying for the Qwest. "

 Alan wrote on June 2, 2008 10:12 am:
" The city won’t raise property taxes to pay for the Arena? How stupid do they think the voters are? Any credibility the city had in this matter and any integrity remaining in the process is now gone. Maybe property taxes won’t be raised at first but be assured that the sales tax revenue that used to help pay for parks, roads, trails, pools and libraries will be diverted to pay the arena bonds. If we want any of these services then our property taxes will be raised to pay for them. Omaha is in a major hole with the Qwest center and digging deeper. Lincoln already has a multi-million dollar hole in the budget expected to last for several years. How can we add a $10 million annual bond payment to the budget without a corresponding tax increase? With the willingness of the City to say or do anything to get the desired result at the polls I’m wondering if some former Clinton staffers aren’t advising them. "

 taxpayer too wrote on June 2, 2008 10:28 am:
" Can we afford not to replace Pershing? Could the City of Lincoln afford to lose the State Fair which Mayor Beutler so readily gave away? Plus the city leaders in their infinite wisdom want to put it downtown.... Let's add to the frenzy on football Saturdays. Why not put the arena on the outskirts of Lincoln. For instance, closer to the interstate where traffic could be funneled more readily. But oh no we need to put it closer to the Haymarket where Jon Camp can actually reap the monetary benefits!! Why don't we also let Ray's Lawn & Home Care Service maintain the property! Let's pay City Councilman Ray Svoboda to not complete the task.

While I agree we need something better than Pershing, this is not the time! We cannot compete with Omaha. Beutler says our city budget is in trouble! So where will you pull this money from if you dont use it to tax your citizens? Another of his great ideas, hire a part time person at $40,000 per year & have him "fix" the Near South Neighborhood. There are several other neighborhoods which are also in need. What about them? Mayor Beutler, will you also hire a person to help restore the Clinton Neighborhood?

Why don't you get the city budget fixed before you you take on this arena issue! Oh, that's right, policiticians don't work like that! How are we paying for the Antelope Valley Project? I've heard that is still not funded! Is this dejavu? "

 Not a surprize wrote on June 2, 2008 10:28 am:
" You can put a horse on the track and call it a winner, and you can put a winning horse on the track and call it a winner, and you can put a horse that has the look of a winner on the track and it will look like the winner but the winning horse needs to produce results and the others just need to look good at the start, and neither will do well when the track is slippery. Get my point. "

 Becc wrote on June 2, 2008 11:01 am:
" To Glass Half Full - no one is "fighting," we are scratching our heads in wonder. We don't like it that there is some apparent lack of knowledge (I am trying not to say untruths) of exactly how this project will be paid for and some of us just cannot afford to pay more property taxes.

Everyone would love a new arena - I don't know about the convention center. . .

By the way, Sugarland was at Pershing about six months ago. So by your estimation, Pershing is still able to get quality acts too. "

 john wrote on June 2, 2008 11:01 am:
" The BIG spin is on. We are going to see more and more of this in the coming months. TV ads are sure to fallow. The city has a deficit of 6 million and we are going to build a new jail, Union plaza, selling off city property to pay for studies. Some one please pass the Valium. "

 JB wrote on June 2, 2008 11:48 am:
" Should have been built yesterday. For some reason people believe everything must be free. They would rather have no roads, schools, ect and pay no taxes at all. "

 rac wrote on June 2, 2008 12:32 pm:
" All of the elderly folks here are going to be severely disappointed when this vote is approved by a landslide. You can't dictate our progress (or lack thereof) anymore, because you want more freeby places to play cards at all day.

Can't afford it? Write a letter to LPS; vote that board out of office. THEY'RE the ones sucking-up 65% of your property tax money, the City's take is MINIMAL. Look at your tax statement before you complain and stop voting for LPS' bonds! "

 riiiiiiiiiiiight wrote on June 2, 2008 1:02 pm:
" The taxpayers won't pay??? Yeah right.
Mayor Beutler says property taxes are off the table..............for now.
Of course Mayor Beutler says property taxes won't be part of the equation. By the time this thing gets built he'll already be out of office and the next mayor will have no choice but to finance it through property taxes. But I'm sure Mayor Beutler will make a valient effort to "find" some additional funding for the project, most likely by taking more from city employees and their departments. I work for the city and again this year our deptartment head was asked to come in under budget to help with the city's budget crisis. We've been asked to come in under budget for years and it's getting to the point where there's nothing left to cut. All you people out there constantly crying and moaning about city employees need to get a clue. Year after year more and more is taken away from us but yet the public expects the same, if not better, service. "

 New to Lincoln wrote on June 2, 2008 1:55 pm:
" Just get this arena on the ballot so we can vote it down like a pay raise for teachers. "

 To glass half full... wrote on June 2, 2008 2:25 pm:
" You my friend obviously have never spent a day in the entertainment world. A big act will not make a stop at the Qwest (which they would hit before ever coming to Lincoln) then the next day stop at Lincoln to play the same show. Artists are going to go where they know they can sell tickets.This will turn into another pershing center. And when an act stops in Kearney (2hours away) do you really think Lincoln would pull those concert goers to come and see them again? Not going to happen. "

 What is really sad wrote on June 2, 2008 2:43 pm:
" is all of the negative, cynical comments. Fortunately, like rac said, this will pass easily and Lincolnites will embrace the new arena as a start towards something different in this (kinda) ho-hum city. I'm all for it and I'll even chip in and pay for 10 people's $10 increase in property taxes. Let me know where to send the money. "

 Vote wrote on June 2, 2008 2:53 pm:
" Let's vote on it before the Mayor, Tom Osborn and 2015 group spends more money on studies and we can go back to having the City provide basic services "

 to what is really sad wrote on June 2, 2008 4:03 pm:
" actually what is really sad is that people think this will turn this (ho-hum) city into something amazing. What exactly do you think this is going to do for the city? They won't pull big acts,the acts you see coming to the pershing is all you will see. This city couldn't even support a arena football team! Please look at this a little more realistic. Do you truly think this will turn Lincoln into a bustling city? Lets get real, we will pay to have an updated pershing with a hotel and that is all. Wow. "

 New Arena Needed wrote on June 2, 2008 4:41 pm:
" This city is eroding away and something needs to be done. This is a step in the right direction, but it would only be the beginning. Who cares if the city raises property taxes by a few cents or a couple of dollars for the improvement of our lifestyles. This is also a last option to pay when revenues fall short. The Qwest Center is not yet close to using a property tax increase, although it might happen in the next ten years, but the arena is keeping that from happening. "

 Get Real wrote on June 2, 2008 4:46 pm:
" Most of us can't even afford to replace the worn carpeting on our homes. Taking on a project like this is what really rich and idle people think about. The rest of us don't need it, don't want it, but we're going to pay for it anyway, aren't we? "

 I PROMISE... wrote on June 2, 2008 7:03 pm:
" One of my favorite things to do is go to concerts. We probably spend several hundred dollars a year paying for our front row seats..but that's what we like to do. Expensive hobby yes..but I'm not complaining. We travel to Kansas City for shows, we go to Omaha for shows. I promise that if this new arena gets built and I don't have to drive to Omaha or KC anymore..even though I live only a few minutes from downtown Lincoln....I PROMISE I WILL BOOK A HOTEL ROOM FOR EVERY SHOW THAT I ATTEND AT THE NEW ARENA..if that will help pay for it. :) Build it, bring in the shows, and they will come! "

 nathan wrote on June 2, 2008 8:25 pm:
" Why all this excitement to compete AGAINST Omaha? Aren't we all Nebraskans? "We need to compete with Omaha or we're toast." What does that even mean? You think that as a state, we should allow intrastate rivalry to create a glut of arena space so that rather than have one arena/convention center performing below par, we can have two arena/convention centers performing WAY below par? Now, not only do the tax payers of Douglas/Lancaster county have to pay for this, but the other 91 counties get roped in too! Face it, you can't support a 50' yacht on a teachers salary, and Lincoln cannot support this. Rather than try and compete against Omaha, why don't the two cities try and work together? A quality, high speed rail link between the two cities would be a MUCH better investment. "

 Tammy wrote on June 2, 2008 8:52 pm:
" In all of the "studies" and "plans" has anyone gone to actual promoters to find out if they would book shows in Lincoln? That might be a good place to start. I seriously doubt given a choice between Lincoln and Omaha that promoters would choose Lincoln. Omaha has a higher population, they are closer to other higher population areas, and they already have a proven track record of selling out shows. Lincoln can't sell out Pershing for shows that DO come here now...so a new arena is going to change that? Gee, aren't we a bunch of snobs who won't go to Pershing because the City has neglected it for years and let it get into a state of disrepair,but we promise we'll all flock to a shiny new arena? Right. Not to mention, Lincoln at one time had some pretty unfriendly rules regarding events, such as the arena must be cleared by 11pm. Not sure that one is still around, but how many acts do you know of that are going to put up with lots of rules and regs when they can go 50 miles down the Interstate and not have to deal with that kind of stuff? "

 Realistic wrote on June 2, 2008 9:04 pm:
" I am one of the many who honestly believe the arena isn't going to be any type of deal-breaker that will "make the city amazing." We're a lot smarter than that. This is a start - something Lincoln needs and has neglected for a number of years. But to do nothing is a certain city-killer. Lincoln has always been great for families, but we need to reach out to the young professionals more than ever now. This is a START, not the finish. "

 To Tammy wrote on June 2, 2008 9:06 pm:
" Yes, it was reported months ago that several promoters were very optimistic about being able to book shows in Lincoln. "

 Marisol wrote on June 3, 2008 12:06 am:
" What makes people think an arena will bring people or revenue to Lincoln? Seems like a lot of dreaming to me, and if Omaha is any indication, seems like those dreams won't become a reality. "

 privatize wrote on June 3, 2008 12:18 am:
" I'm all for building it--as long as it's all done with private money. There's no reason for the city to step in. If investors think it will fly, they can put up the money. If they don't think it'll fly, then don't put up the money, and don't build it. Why do people think they should get a free ride on other peoples pocketbooks?

As for no property taxes, I can see that being true. It's all in the accounting. Create another JAVA like entity and have that raise the taxes. Then they can say they didn't raise property taxes, the new arena taxing authority just added a *new* tax. "

 DJ wrote on June 3, 2008 6:45 am:
" Have you heard the joke about how you can tell if a used car salesman or politician is lying....."their lips are".....oh, you've heard it, never mind. My apologies to used car salesmen. "

 bailout tax increase wrote on June 3, 2008 6:51 am:
" The arena may be able to be built without raising taxes, but when the time to bailout this white elephant comes around, we'll all have to pull out our wallets. "

 Where are the polls for future Lincolnites feelings on the subject wrote on June 3, 2008 9:01 am:
" How many people do you think left the opening rounds of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in Omaha thinking that it was a great venue in a great city? Don't you think that same thing can happen in Lincoln? The problem is that Lincoln is the conservative center of the universe and every time an opportunity for improvement arises that may cost a few extra dollars, it gets put down because that's not how things were done "back in the day." Reading the comments on this website is depressing--there are so many naysayers in this community it makes me want to puke. "

 pocket linings wrote on June 3, 2008 9:04 am:
" someone will make a lot of money on this venture, but it won't be me or you either. you and me? we're going to pay for this thing. let's just make it quick and easy, scrap the arena and just tell us who's pockets we should put our hard earned cash into. "

 Lip service wrote on June 3, 2008 9:23 am:
" Nebraska thinks it is so high and mighty with all the taxes of property, truckers, hotel etc. In reality we are loosing big time and thus our heads are still in the sand. Lincoln will NEVER be Omaha. Who wants to come to Lincoln--there is nothing here but bars and football. Most of us can't afford the Lied Center or movies so we are expected to go to concerts too! ! ! Our entire government from city to state needs to rethink itself and stop shoving people away. Nebraska the Good Life---we need a new slogan. "

 Happy wrote on June 3, 2008 9:35 am:
" And every one complains about LPS wasting tax bucks. At least it goes to the kids. "

 Here is an idea Beutler wrote on June 3, 2008 9:58 am:
" take this money and fix the streets and street lights here! Or better yet ad an expressway! All this money spent on something that will accomplish nothing. The arena looks like a 1920 armory factory. I can't believe some people actually believe this thing will succeed. With the new Sprint center in KC and the Qwest in Omaha this would just become another Pershing with nothing to offer. Thanks Chris for "thinking". "

 suuuure.... wrote on June 3, 2008 10:04 am:
" hmmm would an act rather go to a 18-25 thousand seat arena in KC or Omaha or go to a 8-10 seat old factory looking wanna be arena? Get real Lincolnites! I say the people who are all for it should pay for it when Chris leaves office. If it is built all it will pull will be acts like Rascal Flatts(B list at best) and Joan Rivers. Can we say a Pershing Auditorium 2? "

 GO BACK WITH HAMMONS wrote on June 3, 2008 12:09 pm:
" Whoever is running the show on planning this arena/convention center seems to be doing things a lil shady to me. There's too much "maybe's" and "if's" in the proposal from the start to the point we're at now.

Get ready for a raise in property taxes. Cause there is no way with the vacancy rate in Lincoln Hotels that they can pay for any supstantial margin. And I don't think Mr. Hammonss owning the largest and most profitable hotel in lincoln is going to be for this proposition after losing the bid. The mayor isn't making many friends from the start. I think we need to go back to Hammons proposal and we'll see more private dollars in this thing. Rather than the mayor going with a group who provided funds for his campaign. "

 Larger circus YAY wrote on June 3, 2008 12:15 pm:
" Whoever thinks Lincoln will host a first/second round NCAA basketball event is crazy. There's a better chance of Memorial Stadium hosting the Conagra Macaroni and Cheese Bowl before that happens.

Everyone is building these new arenas these days. But Lincoln does not have the number of hotels and downtown amenities that the NCAA is looking for when hosting these events. Even with a new arena at 16,000 seats... the NCAA and new arenas across the country have already passed lincoln by.

Might as well just build a big tent cause the only thing this thing will have besides NU basketball is the circus. "

 Fair anyone wrote on June 3, 2008 12:19 pm:
" Is it too late to get the fair back?

There's a guaranteed 350,000 tickets sold each year. And we don't have to pay $200 million to get it.

The backwards thinking in Lincoln is why I left the town years ago for Omaha. "

 Ej wrote on June 3, 2008 12:52 pm:
" Our mayor seems to be forgetting the +6million doller budget defficet we have now! "

 James wrote on June 3, 2008 1:27 pm:
" There will be ice cream parlors in Hades before the average Lincoln taxpayer gets done paying for this packet of lies called an areana. Lincoln has neither the population base, the hotel support, nor the convenient airport connections to make this even a break-even venture. With all the advantages that the Omaha metroplex has to offer, and despite promises made by the local politicos, taxpayers are still having to bail out the Quest Center. On top of all this, Lincolnites still have to pay our share of the new jail, the Antelope Valley Project, a new downtown park, moving the state fair and a rising LPS budget, all the while facing a multi-million dollar tax shortfall by the City of Lincoln that is forcing cuts in services offered. This is INSANITY! (And when the media blitz begins to trumpet the value of this 200 million dollar drain on our economy, be sure to ask who is paying for those expensive ads!) It's not that the arena would not be a nice addition to the Lincoln area, it is that we cannot afford every ill-conceived, albeit well-intentioned, pipe-dream that comes down the pike. Real people in the capital city are concerned where they will get the extra money to fill up their gas tanks, let alone pay for money-losing propositions like an arena that fits no real need in our geographical area. Maybe the Mayor and the 2015 committee have the wealth to support such a venture. It's time they realized that the rest of us don't. Bring on the vote on this issue. Taxpayers deserved a chance to say no to this and all other lies being sold as patriotism to an idealized concept of Lincoln. Thanks for reading. "

 Why blame LPS wrote on June 3, 2008 1:41 pm:
" I, personally, am tired of everyone blaming LPS whenever there is discussion of taxes. I would, much rather, have my tax money go to LPS to educate our children than to an entertainment venue. Sure, there are probably places that LPS could trim but let's not blame them for all of the city's issues.

That said, Lincoln is behind the curve in building an arena/convention center. Look at all of them that are within one to two hours of Lincoln. This should have been built 5 - 7 years ago. The market is saturated. The city needs to look to something new to generate revenues other than playing the same hand that all of these other cities already have played. Getting into the game now is not going to be successful. "

 Curious wrote on June 3, 2008 1:43 pm:
" If the Lied Center is losing money, how does the Mayor think that a 200 million dollar arena is going to turn a profit? If this is such a great idea, then let the 2015 committee drain their friends in business and industry and let it be built with dollars from the private sector. The same conservatives that are screaming that they want government off their backs are all for letting the taxpayer pony up the dollars to get this incredibly expensive venture off the ground. This whole thing stinks of construction company profiteering at the expense of the citizens of Lincoln. It's time to vote out of office every local politician who backs this kind of money squandering nonsense. If private business people want to build this arena, then they can take every dollar of profit, (or loss,) that the whole misconceived project will incur. If it's such a hot idea, there ought to be an army of interested investors. Any takers? (I didn't think so.) "

 Scott wrote on June 3, 2008 2:10 pm:
" Why do we keep trying to compete with Omaha? Can't we band together or something? I about laughed my back side off when they were planning for this thing and they kept comparing Lincoln to Denver...jimminy crickets people, stop your daydreaming. Lincoln will never...no matter how stary eyed our leaders get...be able to compete with Denver. If Lincolns leader would learn to live within the city's means, we would probably grow more steadily. "

 shane wrote on June 3, 2008 3:38 pm:
" This is exactly the reason Lincoln continues towards becoming a second class city. People in this town have ZERO vision and an inability to see beyond the end of their nose. Fortunately 55 years ago SOMEONE had the vision to understand the need for Pershing Auditiorum. WHERE WOULD LINCOLN HAVE BEEN WITHOUT PERSHING FOR THE LAST 50 YEARS???

The Lincoln Arena would NOT compete with Quest for most events. (Many of the shows we were able to see at Pershing in the past will not even look at Pershing now due to it's condition) Quest Center MAKES money while the Hotel (Owned by Omaha) does not. Lincoln will not own the hotel and thus be free of that burden. Sales tax and revenue will go up if we get an arena and you have to ask how can Grand Island build an Arena and Lincoln can't "

 Lincoln needs wrote on June 3, 2008 4:54 pm:
" bigger and better roads and a larger airport for this thing to ever be a success. I really cannot believe people are being duped into believing this thing will be a success. Just shows how easily people who have no clue about businees will believe anything. We would need an expressway built first, do you know how congested it would be down there. Think people think! "

 Imagine That wrote on June 3, 2008 5:26 pm:
" My guess is this is a done deal already and the taxpayers will have no say in the matter and believe me this arena will never pay it's own way.
Perhaps some brilliant idea like the one for the Devany center,Raise the tobacco tax on cigarettes until the center is paid for well it looks like it still has never been paid up because you remember the tax went up very quickly but I don't recall it ever being lowered again.Come on you can do better than that this time around can't you. "

 dewboy wrote on June 3, 2008 7:59 pm:
" Let the highrollers on the 2015 board foot the bill for the WHOLE project. After all, they think it is such a good idea. That way when they pocket the profits the public will not have a complaint. Beutlers remark about taking it to the bank scares the crap out of me. Keep in mind, nothing is being said about loss of some small businesses and residential properties. Wait till they put the bridge back in the plans. "

 Dave wrote on June 3, 2008 9:13 pm:
" No tax increase? not in my life time. Better partner up with LPS and say this project is needed for the kids. "

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