Jason Corley Discusses Lubbock County Expo Funding And Future

Lubbock County Commissioner Jason Corley joined The Chad Hasty Show on Thursday to discuss moves made by County Commissioners this week on the Lubbock County Expo Center.

On Monday, commissioners approved contracts with Hilltop Securities and McCall, Parkhurst & Horton. The firms will eventually give Lubbock County details on how much the venue tax can support, the expected cost of the Expo Center, and how much money will need to be raised privately.

On Thursday, Corley told KFYO that the HOT tax along with the rental car tax will go into effect soon. However, the tax will have to be in place for a year according to Corley before they know how much can be raised.

Corley told KFYO that construction of the Lubbock County Expo Center will not begin until all money for construction is raised. However, that doesn't include the $10 million dollars that the group behind the Expo Center said they would need for seed money. For example, if the cost of the building is $50 million dollars, but the venue tax will only allow for bonds up to $30 million, $20 million would still need to be raised privately to start construction. The group behind the expo center would also need to raise an additional $10 million for seed money to go towards maintenance and salary. According to Corley though, construction of the building is not contingent on whether that seed money is in place or not.

Corley also discussed fireworks sales during Memorial Day weekend which has angered some in Lubbock.

Listen to the entire interview with County Commissioner Jason Corley above.