Lorain County voters once again have the opportunity May 3 to cast ballots on a new convention center.
The new proposed excise tax would fund the design and construction of a new convention center.
Lorain County Commissioner Matt Lundy estimated the tax could generate between $600,000 and $700,000 a year in a good economic environment.
The three percent tax commonly referred to as a bed tax or lodging tax, would be added onto bills of individuals staying in Lorain County hotels.
The commissioners approved legislation 3-0 at a Feb. 2 meeting to put a 3 percent excise tax on the ballot.
Voters previously defeated the bed tax, labeled Issue 4 in the November 2021 election.
According to the legislation, the money would be collected on transactions from hotels that charge guests for lodging.
Lorain County currently collects a 3 percent bed tax on hotel guests that generates between $600,000 and $700,000 annually for the Lorain County Visitors Bureau.
If the new excise tax is passed, Ohio law mandates an 11-member bi-partisan convention board be established to determine the size and scope of the facility based on the needs of the community.
Lundy said the focus of the convention board would be on the functionality of the facility and a consultant would be hired to assist in conducting a study.
The convention board would be made up of representatives from the business, hospitality and tourism industries in addition to elected officials in the community.
If voters decide to pass the tax, Lundy said he would like to see a facility capable of accommodating 1,000 people as a venue to hold big events, such as graduations and conferences.
The county already collects a 3 percent bed tax, Moore said, but that essentially pays for materials that promote the county.
The additional 3 percent would fund the actual physical building.
Commissioner Michelle Hung has said she favors placing an issue on the ballot and letting the voters decide.
Building a convention center is a good idea, Hung said.
She said she also likes the idea of the yet-to-be-formed board picking out the best location for the building.
“It will only help our economy with building, putting people to work and jobs, and all those sorts of things,” Hung said.