Jasper City Council approves contract to study regional sports complex

The Jasper City Council on July 28 voted to approve a contract with Sports Facilities Advisory LLC to study a proposed regional sports complex and produce a detailed financial pro forma and economic-impact analysis.

Mayor said the contract will move the project into a more detailed evaluation phase using updated market analysis and financial forecasting. "This agreement helps us evaluate how a regional sports complex can best serve our community, attract regional tournaments and visitors, and ensure we're making thoughtful and informed decisions for the future of Jasper," the mayor said. He described the primary deliverable as an "institutional grade financial model" that will include nine elements, with a "5 year cash flow forecast, 20 year financial outlook, construction and start up cost projections, revenue and operating expense projections, management and staffing recommendations, [and] facility utilization projections." The study also includes an annual economic-impact analysis projecting effects on local hotels, restaurants, retail businesses and tax revenues.

A councilmember moved to adopt the resolution and the motion was seconded; the clerk called for a voice vote and the motion passed unanimously. The transcript records a unanimous voice vote in favor of adopting the resolution. The mayor asked the council to authorize signing the agreement and to seek funding for the work; the transcript does not specify an amount or source of funding. Next steps noted in the meeting record are execution of the contract with Sports Facilities Advisory LLC and the study's delivery of the pro forma and economic-impact report to the council for future deliberation.