Council approves $100,000 interim appropriation for convention center while building authority seeks $352,000 annual operating funds

The Vanderburgh County Council voted Feb. 4 to set an interim $100,000 appropriation for convention center operations while the full $352,000 annual request from the building authority is reviewed.

Finance chair James Raven moved the $100,000 action, saying the lower immediate allocation would “get them up and running until events become a little more routine” as commissioners and council members continue monthly oversight. Raven said revenues have come in lower than earlier estimates, prompting a conservative approach.

Dave Rector of the Building Authority told the council the $352,000 figure is the year’s operating estimate and that the funds would cover maintenance and vendor claims; he warned of urgent repairs, including an air‑handling unit that left the ballrooms without heat (Rector estimated roughly $10,000 for that repair) and roof damage from a late‑December wind event. Rector also said large repairs such as a roof replacement or a chiller may require funds beyond the submitted budget and that insurance responses are pending on some damage.

Council members emphasized tighter coordination between the commissioners and the building authority on vendor payments and suggested rebidding some multi‑year contracts to achieve better rates. After discussion the council approved the $100,000 interim appropriation by voice vote.

What’s next: Building Authority will provide detailed budget breakdowns to the council and commissioners; staff said larger repairs and insurance outcomes may prompt further requests.