Project funding draws questions

I read the City Commentary editorial by city manager Greg McDanel in today’s paper (11/12/15). I quote:

“The 100 percent privately owned and financed project will consist of a 40 room hotel…”

Four paragraphs later, he writes:

“Several financing options include potential secondary sales tax question providing a dedicated source of revenue facility construction ….”

On page 3, Forum news editor writes about Monday’s city council meeting stating:

“McDanel said rejection at the polls of a new sales tax could spell the end of efforts to construct the facility ….”

There seems to be a contradiction in Mr. McDanel’s own statements.

My question seems quite basic. Is it private or public financing?

Also on the subject, it has been reported by the Forum that the plan involved tearing down the existing 20-year-old club house. Doing so would seem to be a very poor decision. The existing club house is perfectly good, having many years of useful service left in it.

It was recently redecorated and tearing it down would be a huge waste of taxpayer’s money.

I would very much like to know the facts as reported. Perhaps you could publish another editorial addressing the issues at question.

Doug Stickley

Maryville resident and tax payer

Editor’s note: As has been reported in this newspaper, the construction of a 40-room hotel and accompanying conference center are two separate projects. The hotel is privately funded and the conference center will be funded through public funds.