A resolution requesting the Mayor, the Metropolitan Sports Authority, and the Director of Finance to make an effort to negotiate with the Tennessee Titans organization to allow a ticket tax to be imposed prior to 2011 for maintenance and improvements to the coliseum.

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Titans organization has a contract with the Metropolitan Government for the use and operation of the coliseum; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the contract, the Metropolitan Government is obligated to pay $1 million annually for capital improvements to the coliseum; and

WHEREAS, a study commissioned by the Metropolitan Government estimates that repairs to the facility over the next four years will cost in excess of $12 million, which substantially exceeds the amount currently in the capital fund; and

WHEREAS, the Sports Authority and the Mayor's administration are considering proposing that the Council issue general obligation bonds to cover the needed repairs to the Metro-owned coliseum; and

WHEREAS, the contract between the Titans and the Metropolitan Government further provides that a special tax cannot be imposed on tickets to football games until 2011; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that approximately sixty percent of the Titan's season ticket holders live outside of Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the taxpayers of Nashville and Davidson County that the Metropolitan Government take the action necessary to renegotiate the contract with the Titans to allow a ticket tax to be imposed to help offset the costs of repairs and upgrades to the coliseum.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Mayor, the Metropolitan Sports Authority, and the Director of Finance to make an effort to negotiate with the Tennessee Titans organization to allow a ticket tax to be imposed prior to 2011 for maintenance and improvements to the coliseum.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell, to David Manning, the Director of Finance, and to each member of the Metropolitan Sports Authority.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore