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City: We’re not eager to make Aces Ballpark deal, either

Reno AcesA day after Washoe County decided to wait and see on an Aces Ballpark bailout, the Reno City Council decided to put off a decision until next year in hopes of crafting a deal.

Thre issue: coming up with $30 million to cover debt service on the ballpark, SK Baseball, owners of the ballpark and the Reno Aces (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League), is proposing the city pay a million dollars annually and Washoe County a half-million annually (a total of $45 million) to help pay off a total of $90 million.

The previous Reno City Council approved a dea to pay debt via general fund; the current City Council rescinded that commitment immediately upon taking office. The objection: using general-fund revenues, which would have required cutbacks in other city services.

That aversion to using general funds is causing any delay in crafting a solution, as City Council members say they need time to identify alternative sources of revenue. From the Reno Gazette-Journal:

“We love baseball, we love the stadium, we just want to make sure we’re doing what’s in the best interest of our entire community,” said Councilwoman Neoma Jardon on Wednesday.

Mayor Bob Cashell said the new members are still expressing concerns over using the general fund for any potential deal. He said there are options the city and the developers are looking at such as income from naming rights for Aces Ballpark and increasing ticket prices.

“I think there’s two or three things in there that can be worked out,” Cashell said.

RELATED STORIES: Washoe County: No commitment yet to Aces Ballpark bailout; Could Aces end up leaving Reno?; Reno withdraws future funding plan for Aces ballpark; Washoe County balking at Aces ballpark subsidy; Reno approves ballpark bailout; Aces owners: Refinance ballpark or we’ll move team; Aces, Washoe County continue debate over property taxes

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