Commissioners debate funding sources for $2 million Intrust Bank Arena request

Commissioner (S6) asked the commission to consider funding alternatives for a $2,000,000 request for Intrust Bank Arena, saying he wants options beyond property tax increases as the county finalizes its budget two weeks before adoption.

"I I do wanna have a conversation about Intrust Bank Arena, and I know that there's a request, $2,000,000 request," Commissioner (S6) said, urging staff to present creative funding approaches. Staff member (S9) and other commissioners discussed using one‑time revenues — investment income or year‑end transfers — rather than recurring property tax dollars.

S9 highlighted recent nonrecurring investment returns as part of the discussion: "we have already made $6,000,000 this year in investment income," and noted that such income is treated as one‑time funding and is not expected to be recurring. S9 also raised casino receipts as a possible contribution, saying, "It's about 1,800,000 per year," while warning that the revenue's long‑term availability may depend on state action.

Commissioners asked staff to prepare a short presentation and historical context so the public better understands the funding position. Chair (S1) and staff agreed a brief PowerPoint and additional background on prior decisions and reserve fund usage would be presented at the next meeting and during budget deliberations.

The discussion did not produce a formal vote or final decision at this meeting; commissioners signaled that they will continue the conversation in upcoming budget sessions and may propose a policy for allocating one‑time revenues to cultural asset needs.