Crawford County approves up to $1 million in lodging-tax support for Pittsburg State outdoor track

The Crawford County Board of Commissioners on April 14 approved a recommendation from Explore Crawford County to provide Pittsburg State University with one-sixth of the county's transient guest tax for 10 years, capped at $1,000,000, to support construction and operations of a new outdoor track.

Renato Pinto, vice chair of Explore Crawford County, told the board the group voted on Feb. 11 to make the funding recommendation. Jim Johnson, executive vice president for engagement and executive affairs at Pittsburg State University, described the project's history and said the portion of the transient guest tax that had previously been allocated to the university's Plaster Center would be redirected to the outdoor track. Dr. Thomas Newsom, Pittsburg State's president, said the facility is configured to host multiple events simultaneously and will continue partnerships that allowed high school access.

Commissioner Bruce Blair said he attended the first track meet at the new facility and praised its value to the community. Commissioner Carl Wood asked whether the facility will be available to outside users and how many events are expected; Johnson said outside users would be welcome and indicated plans for multiple events.

On a motion by Commissioner Tom Moody, seconded by Commissioner Blair (motion 26-182), the board approved the funding recommendation. The minutes record the vote as unanimous (Moody, Blair, Wood).

County Counselor Jim Emerson said the county will draft an agreement to implement the allocation. Board materials indicate the allocation is limited to one-sixth of the transient guest tax each year and capped at $1,000,000 over 10 years; the minutes show no further spending details or schedule in the meeting record.

Next steps: staff will prepare the funding agreement for future consideration and execution at a later meeting.