Voters in Chelan and Douglas Counties won't be asked to approve a .2 percent sales tax increase to save the Town Toyota Center.

Instead Commissioners have opted for a plan that would have the City of Wenatchee raising its sales tax by that amount and bonding for an additional percent sale tax increase to pay for operational costs at the arena. KPQ News director Steve Hair's been following the latest developments . .

County Commissioners made it clear at Wednesday's Public Facilities District work session that they do not support a plan put forward by East Wenatchee Mayor Steve Lacy that would have a district-wide vote on .2 percent tax increase.

Instead the two counties are in support of a plan now being considered in the Legislature that would allow each of the PFD's entities to set their own sales tax rate.

Earlier this week on KPQ Chelan County Commissioner, Ron Walter insisted that the City of Wenatchee needs to take the lead in any debt service plan . .

Douglas County Commissioner, Steve Jenkins also maintains that there are too many unanswered questions regarding the arena's finances for voters to make an informed decision..

The Wenatchee World reports that following Wednesday's PFD worksession Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz said that all nine entities must come up with a plan this month in order to put a measure on the April Ballot. By then the arena is expected to be operating in the red.

Steve Hair
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