The Caddo Commission has proposed a $60 million general obligation bond proposal to fund a sports complex on the Nov. 3 ballot.
The projected cost is $70 million. If sponsorships and naming rights do not generate this amount, the Parish will use reserve funds. In that case, the Parish will lose the income from any reserve funds utilized for the complex.
The Parish Administration has projected a net operating loss for the sports complex of $550 thousand for year one of operations, $250 thousand for year two, break even for year three (no operating loss), and $250 thousand positive income flow starting in year four and thereafter.
Ruston is funding their complex with an additional sales tax. It is not possible to get a breakdown on the additional sales tax generated by the complex, additional hotel/motel/restaurant business etc. that is attributable to the complex.
The Ruston complex was started in 2017. and construction build out of its facilities since that time. Ruston manages the complex while Caddo intends to hire a third party for this task, which will be an additional cost to the Parish and reflective of projected income.
Ruston’s city budget has a line item of $3.8 million to operate and maintain it sports complex. How that number compares with the projected operating costs, including maintenance and management fees for Caddo is unknown.
The two complexes are like apples to oranges, however, here is an AI generated information. It is to be noted that Caddo hopes that an additional $200 million in private dollar investment at the sports complex site.
"Caddo Parish leaders are evaluating a proposed $60 million to $70 million indoor sports complex, using the successful Ruston Sports Complex as a benchmark for regional tourism and economic impact.
Key Considerations
• Economic Vision vs. Taxpayer Risk: Supporters argue that a Caddo Parish facility would emulate Ruston's success in capturing regional tournament travel from Texas and surrounding areas. Critics and local groups like the Caddo Parish Republican Party question the long-term debt, maintenance burden, and timeline for investment recovery.
• Infrastructure Model: Ruston's complex succeeded by integrating extensive outdoor turf fields with community-centric layouts, full RV hookups, and large tournaments, whereas Caddo's discussions center heavily on large indoor multi-court configurations."
The AI information on both complexes is just that—Artificial Intelligence—and it has not been confirmed by this writer.
Additionally, projections on operating losses and revenue are just that, and these numbers may not be the most recent, but should be helpful for Caddo voters.