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Pasco council authorizes amended offer to buy Pasco Sporting Complex to preserve youth sports venue
Summary
The Pasco City Council approved a resolution directing the city manager to submit an amended purchase offer for the Pasco Sporting Complex, saying the city would use economic development funds to preserve sports tourism and youth recreation; staff warned replacing the complex could cost an estimated $27–$30 million.
The Pasco City Council voted to authorize the city manager to submit an amended offer to acquire the Pasco Sporting Complex from Franklin County, reaffirming the city’s intent to preserve the site as a softball and recreational sports venue.
City Manager Stewart told the council the complex supports recurring tournaments and generates economic activity for hotels and restaurants; losing access, he said, would disrupt bookings that are typically scheduled a year in advance. "We want to keep those coming to our community," Stewart said during the discussion.
Council members pressed staff on funding and long-term alternatives. Stewart said the purchase would be financed from the city’s economic development funds — money that cannot be used for staffing — and emphasized that, if the county does not renew a lease, buying the property is a practical next step. When asked about replacement costs, staff estimated constructing a comparable new facility would cost roughly $27 million to $30 million, excluding land acquisition.
Supporters said the investment protects sports tourism and complements existing local facilities such as Gesa Stadium; at least one council member asked staff to prepare information showing the economic development benefits to help explain the decision to residents concerned about the city’s fiscal constraints.
The resolution (No. 4757) was moved and seconded during the meeting and approved by voice vote. The vote authorizes the city manager to proceed with submitting the amended offer and continues negotiations with the county.
The city will provide further details about terms and next steps if county discussions progress; staff told the council the county lease for the facility had expired and county communications indicated interest in selling the property rather than renewing the lease.
The council’s action preserves the city’s legal authority for an offer but does not immediately transfer ownership. If the purchase proceeds, staff said they would return with additional details about funding and operations.
