March 10, 200521 yr Let's wait to see what the Herald says before judging this story. LOL http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/sou...=sfla-news-sfla Legislators seem receptive to helping finance new Marlins stadium By Sarah Talalay Staff Writer Posted March 10 2005 TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Jeb Bush and key legislative leaders gave their first-ever warm reception on Wednesday to Miami-Dade County and city of Miami officials in their quest for state help with the financing of a new ballpark for the Florida Marlins. On the second day of the annual Legislative session, county and city officials, armed with their own commissions' approvals, firm details and cost overrun guarantees, put on their first major push to win over formerly reluctant legislative leaders in asking for a sales tax rebate -- the final piece needed to fill a $30 million gap in a $420 million ballpark financing plan. Bush practically endorsed the plan for a 38,000-seat retractable roof stadium east of the Orange Bowl. "I think the willingness of the community to support this to the extent that they've had is a very positive sign," said Bush, who was briefed on the plan by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "Out of the 300-plus million dollars, they are asking $30 million from the state. That's a small percentage and I think it's really worth considering and I believe the Legislature will." Senate President Tom Lee, House Speaker Allan Bense and key House leaders, who will consider the rebate request for the stadium, which would be owned by the county, told the group they need to study the plan more closely, but they wouldn't stand in its way. That's a sharp contrast from three previous efforts to gain state funding for a ballpark when senate presidents and even the governor have squashed the loosely formulated plans or prevented them from being considered by the Legislature. The key difference this year, county, city and legislators say, is that the city and county -- not the team -- are requesting a rebate that will allow the first $2 million generated in the ballpark each year from the taxes on tickets and concessions for 30 years to help finance the building. That $60 million rebate, which has been received by sports franchises across the state, will allow the county to bond $30 million toward the project's construction. "We're not building a stadium for a millionaire who owns a baseball franchise," Alvarez told legislative leaders. "The owner of the stadium will be Dade County." The Marlins, who declined comment on the process in Tallahassee, will play their home games at the stadium and pay rent. The city and the county will share another 16 dates at the stadium for concerts and events. Alvarez and Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez told legislators that without state help the Marlins will be forced out of their rented home, Dolphins Stadium, after the 2010 season when their lease is up. "So unless some other community comes up with a plan, Florida will lose its baseball team," Martinez said. "A two-time world champion will be lost." County Manager George Burgess, Miami City Manager Joe Arriola, city and county staffers and a representative of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce also made the trip. The group met first thing Wednesday with about a dozen members of the Miami-Dade delegation, which except for two members, Reps. Gus Barreiro and Juan C. Zapata, both Miami Republicans who had additional questions about the plan, endorsed sending it forward for consideration. Lee, who had requested the local delegation's support of the plan, said he didn't intend to stand in its way. "I give everyone down there credit. To build a foundation of support of the local delegation and the city and the county is the way to do it," said Lee, R-Brandon. "You can at least now get in the game here in Tallahassee." State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, is sponsoring the House Bill (1287) to create the rebate. Sen. Rudy Garcia, R-Hialeah, will sponsor the Senate bill. "I want to take a look at what the Marlins are doing themselves in this whole venture," said Bense, R-Panama City. "We'll send it down to the [Finance and Tax] committee because it needs to get scrubbed. In the Florida House it will get a fair look-see." The warm reception doesn't mean the plan is without detractors or that passage will be smooth. Bense said among the concerns is competition from others, including the city of Orlando, which is seeking to increase the sales tax rebate in order to renovate the Orlando Magic's arena, and Daytona Beach officials, who are seeking a rebate to lure a NASCAR Hall of Fame. Miami-Dade County has committed $138 million in county bed and sports facilities taxes, including $60 million made available when the city sold Miami Arena last year. The city has pledged $28 million in tourist development taxes. The team has promised $30 million up front and $162 million in rent backed by future guaranteed team revenue, including television and radio broadcast fees. It has also promised to cover any cost overruns, offering a lien on the franchise as a guarantee. A proposed $32 million, 2,800-space parking garage is to pay for itself through parking fees. The sales tax rebate would complete the financing plan. Arriola estimated that in a new venue the team could generate $8 million a year in sales tax revenue, and if it keeps the first $2 million for construction, the state would get a $6 million annual windfall. "The most important thing is everybody talks about this idea the state is going to write a check for $2 million for rich ballplayers," Arriola said. "If there's no stadium, there are no taxes." Staff Writer Mark Hollis contributed to this report. Sarah Talalay can be reached at stalalay@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4173.
March 10, 200521 yr The fact that local government owns the stadium is huge. They will have 16 non Marlin events generating even more revenue for the local area. I really think that once this gets to the finance committee, this thing will get through(knock on wood). The Marlins paying for half of the stadium while presenting teh stadium as something the state and county wants is a great political move.
March 10, 200521 yr The Marlins paying for half of the stadium 706897[/snapback] They're not paying for the stadium at all, they are paying rent money upfront.
March 10, 200521 yr The Marlins paying for half of the stadium 706897[/snapback] Their not paying for the stadium at all, they are paying rent money upfront. 706898[/snapback] Plus future rent that ends up being half the stadium costs. Most people dont pay for infrastructure up front, ie a mortgage.
March 10, 200521 yr Good to hear some positive news from Tally. It gets my hopes up just that much. *fingers crossed*
March 10, 200521 yr The Marlins paying for half of the stadium 706897[/snapback] Their not paying for the stadium at all, they are paying rent money upfront. 706898[/snapback] Plus future rent that ends up being half the stadium costs. Most people dont pay for infrastructure up front, ie a mortgage. 706899[/snapback] Exactly, Dade County will own the facility and the team will be the tenant on a long-term lease. I have heard mentioned 42 years lease?
March 13, 200521 yr who cares how long lol. towards the end of that lease most of the people in tallahassee will be dead and we could get a new stadium again lol. and we'll be ino ur late 60's hah
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