Voters reject lodging tax increase for convention center

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An additional 3% lodging tax to help fund the construction of a regional convention and event center was rejected by Springfield voters on Nov. 4.

The measure was voted down by a margin of over 52% opposed and more than 47% in favor, according to the unofficial election results as of 9:05 p.m. There were 7,472 votes, with 50 out of 51 precincts reporting.

“I thank Springfield voters for your engagement in this important community decision,” Mayor Jeff Schrag said in a statement to Springfield Business Journal. “While the ballot measure did not pass, your voices help guide the city’s path forward in finding a different path forward. Springfield is a forward-looking city, and we remain committed to building a strong, prosperous future together."

In a news release, city officials said they would work on alternative funding for a regional convention center.

Springfield City Council unanimously passed an ordinance July 28 to put the question to the city’s voters. The vision was to have visitors to the city who stay overnight, rather than local taxpayers, help foot the bill for the $175 million center planned for an unannounced location in downtown Springfield.

The 3% tax would have been in addition to an existing 5% city tax and a base sales tax rate of 8.1% that includes city, county and state taxes. Had it passed, the additional tax would have brought the total lodging tax to 16.1%.

Officials with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, which endorsed the tax, have said that passage of the 3% tax would have raised an additional $4.4 million annually.