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Athletic Complex Talk

Posted: 1:33 PM Aug 3, 2012
Reporter: Nick Adam

Athletic Complex Talk

City Council President George Thomas says Meridian needs new athletic facilities, and they need a lot of them.

"We at one time were a leader in the state as far as athletic facilities," says Thomas, "but we're getting the point where we aren't anymore, and it's a major economic development opportunity for the city."

Thomas thinks a tax on prepared food and drinks would help raise the money necessary for the facility.

"If we could secure a prepared food and beverage tax it would be about one or two percent on your bill, to do that we need approval from the legislature, and then it would go to a vote with the citizens they would have to approve it."

City officials agree that before they go to the legislature with any plan for funding the complex, they need to find a place to put it.

"We've been meeting with some of the people in the city and the county, and some of the sports," says Parks and Rec Director Mark Naylor, "but I believe [Thomas] is going to appoint a committee to get our heads together and come up with the best possible location."

Thomas points to the State Games as one way a new sports complex could immediately pay dividends for the City of Meridian. If he has his way, the ball will get rolling on this project sooner than later.