In a recent government meeting, county commissioners discussed the ratification of a private act amendment aimed at securing funding for renovations at the FedEx Forum, a project co-owned with the city. The amendment, which was signed into law by the governor on April 4, requires a two-thirds vote from the commission to pass.

County Attorney Marlene Iverson clarified that the amendment is designed to maintain a funding stream from hotel and motel taxes, which will be allocated to the visitors convention bureau and the necessary improvements at the Forum. Commissioner Thornton raised questions about the timeline for discussions regarding the hotel and motel tax and its implications for local stadiums, emphasizing the need for transparency and public discourse.

Commissioner Ford expressed concerns about the process leading to the amendment's introduction, criticizing the lack of thorough discussion prior to the meeting. He noted that the amendment was presented as an add-on late in the day, which he felt undermined proper legislative procedure. Despite his reservations, he indicated his support for the amendment, acknowledging it as a necessary fix for ongoing issues.

The meeting also touched on the complexities surrounding a recent ordinance that required a supermajority vote for passage. Legal representatives clarified that the ordinance, which amended purchasing policies, needed nine votes to pass and that the failure to secure this majority rendered the ordinance nullified. This led to discussions about the implications of the veto and the potential for reconsideration of the ordinance within the established 90-day timeframe.

As the meeting concluded, commissioners agreed to defer further discussions on related items to allow for additional review and community input, highlighting the ongoing commitment to transparency and collaboration in local governance.