The City of Crossville will be discussing borrowing $55 million dollars to build an indoor recreation center on Main Street in a special called meeting this Thursday.

There has been pushback by some city tax payers and renters primarily due to the substantial increase in city property taxes to fund the loan payback. City finance officials estimate the rec center project will certainly double the current tax rate of .70 cents per thousand to $1.40 per thousand and possibly triple the rate.  That increase would raise city property owners’ annual tax bill substantially. Renters could also see a drastic increase in their monthly rent as rental property owners would pass the increase on to the renters.

The City Council is faced with the option of having a special referendum for city tax payers to vote on following through with the rec center project. It is expected the Council will deliberate on the referendum matter at the special called meeting.

The actual cost of the indoor rec center would come in close to $65 million dollars with a portion coming from the general fund and the majority from a bond issue (loan). Based on cost analysis provided by the City the rec center never shows a profit even though there will be a charge for users.

A coalition of local city tax payers and renters who are opposed to the project have notified others to be at the City Hall Thursday at 4pm to encourage the City Council to schedule a referendum and allow the voters decide to move forward or put off the project until it’s more affordable for taxpayers and renters.