The News and Observer reports the maintenance for the RBC Center is going to cost $60 million over the next 16 years (6/27/06).

Who can argue with that? We built it, we’ve got to take care of it. But there’s a warning here.

When the City Council or County Commissioners spend $100 million for an arena or $215 million for a new Convention Center it doesn’t stop there. The costs just keep on adding up. For years. For instance, how much will it cost to operate and maintain the Convention Center over the next 16 years? Another $60 million?

That’s real money. And that is one reason when politicians – like Mayor Meeker – go on spending tears it leads to huge tax hikes down the road.

By the way, the City Council just voted to spend $150,000 to lure the Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention to the RBC Center. I guess they decided they didn’t need the money for maintenance. Or, maybe, they’ll just raise taxes when the maintenance bill comes due.

Click to Read & Post Comments