Commissioners agree to contribute to downtown convention center feasibility study; split with city and CVB

Dougherty County commissioners on March 17 approved a recommendation to support a $70,000 feasibility study for a proposed downtown conference, exhibition and convention center. The Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) plans to engage Johnson Consulting of Chicago; the CVB requested the cost be divided equally among the CVB, the county and the city.

Under the board action, if approved, the county would provide up to $23,500 from general fund contingency. Commissioners debated the use of an out-of-area consultant and the county's relationship to the independent CVB, and staff said some hotel-motel tax revenues are commonly used to support tourism promotion through the CVB.

District 6 Vice Chair John said the county previously engaged with the CVB on tourism efforts and that a convention center could bring visitors who fill hotel rooms and patronize local restaurants. At least two commissioners voiced reluctance about hiring outside consultants; others said the study is a specialized task.

After discussion, the board approved the county contribution. The vote was recorded in the transcript as 4 in favor and 2 opposed; the transcript identifies Districts 2 and 4 as dissenting. The CVB board had requested an equal split; final cost-sharing arrangements and next steps will be coordinated with the CVB and city.

Staff said the county's hotel-motel tax is restricted for promotion of tourism, trade shows and conventions and that the CVB is an independent entity the county supports to fulfill that promotional function. The board did not approve any additional ongoing operational support beyond the one-time study request at this meeting.