A town hall meeting in Meridian Thursday night seeks to provide information to residents and answer their questions about two downtown hotel proposals.

Just weeks away from a likely vote by the Meridian City Council, government leaders say they will soak in the information.

Ward 5 councilman John Harris says this is local government at work. He plans to listen to both presentations for a downtown hotel by HRI Properties and Lala Enterprises, but most importantly, he plans to listen to what local voters have to say.

"We need to hear from our constituents," said Harris. "We need to hear what they are thinking and saying."

Harris said he believes this vote the council is expected to make in coming weeks is one of the biggest ever. His proof is council members together have received dozens of calls and emails since businessman Abdul Lala went public last Wednesday with his plans to build a downtown Hyatt Hotel.

"People are saying that they are for the Threefoot Building being turned into a hotel and I have had many people say they want to go with Lala plan," said Harris.

As for which way Harris plans to vote, he says his mind isn't made up yet. But he believes this town hall meeting could get him closer to making a decision.

"I want to make sure that my constituents in Ward 5 are able to make an educated decision on what is being said and what is being done," Harris said.

And both sides of this hotel debate believe residents will side with their respective plan after hearing more information.

"And I hope they will in turn express their opinions to their city council members and the city council members will in turn vote for what is in Meridian's best future," said Lala project manager, Dede Mogollon.

"I think once people are informed about the incredible value that preserving the Threefoot will have for our community, they will support it," said Maureen Lofton, city information officer.