HOT TOPICS: TOWN TOYOTA CENTER
City won’t help with next interest payment on arena debt
WENATCHEE — The city of Wenatchee will not loan nearly $1 million to the Town Toyota Center to cover an upcoming interest payment on its outstanding debt. The City Council voted unanimously to decline a request sent by the arena’s governing board last week to loan the money to make the $967,765.63 payment on June 1.
Published 5/11/2012
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Arena board plugs in voter-approved fee
WENATCHEE — The governing board of the Town Toyota Center voted Thursday to impose a regional 0.1 percent sales tax increase to help pay off the arena’s debt. Voters in nine local jurisdictions approved the tax increase in a special election last month.
Published 5/4/2012
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Arena’s bottom line improves
WENATCHEE — The sold-out Kelly Clarkson concert has helped ease the financial strain on the Town Toyota Center, at least for now. The arena was expected to start losing money in March, mostly due to soaring legal bills connected to its nearly $42 million debt.
Published 5/1/2012
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As expected, arena tax measure won biggest support in the Wenatchee Valley
WENATCHEE — A regional tax to support Town Toyota Center was strongly approved by voters in East Wenatchee and nearby Douglas County neighborhoods, official results released Friday show. But the support dropped off for voters living farther away from urban area. And it was narrowly rejected in Rock Island and ...
Published 4/27/2012
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City Council gives permission to move ahead with lawsuits over arena
After saying for months that the city will go after the “bad guys” in the Town Toyota Center debacle, Mayor Frank Kuntz was given permission by the City Council tonight to do just that.
Published 4/26/2012
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Arena tax passes by 65 percent
WENATCHEE — With most of the ballots now counted, voters in much of Chelan and Douglas counties voted 2-to-1 in favor of a sales tax increase to rescue the Town Toyota Center. After more ballots were tallied Friday, the measure was passing with 65 percent approval in Chelan County and ...
Published 4/20/2012
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Sighs of relief after voters overwhelmingly approve sales tax increase for Town Toyota Center
It was hugs and smiles all around at the Chelan County Courthouse as a crowd of local officials were told that voters approved a tax measure to rescue the Town Toyota Center from financial disaster.
Published 4/17/2012
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Ballots due today in Town Toyota Center tax issue
WENATCHEE — After all the campaigning and debating, election day for the Town Toyota Center regional tax has arrived. Voters have until 8 p.m. today to either drop their ballots in an official election drop box or have it postmarked at the U.S. post office to weigh in the on ...
Published 4/17/2012
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We weigh the tax alternatives
Members of the Lake Chelan Lions Club were kind enough to host me for lunch Thursday and engage in a discussion of Proposition 1, which would add a tenth of a percent sales tax and stop the default on bonds sold to finance Town Toyota Center. Former Chelan Mayor Jay ...
Published 4/13/2012
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East Wenatchee council endorses arena tax
EAST WENATCHEE — The East Wenatchee City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to endorse a regional tax effort for Town Toyota Center, though the action has no official purpose. “Whether we vote on it tonight or not, I don’t think it will make a difference,” Councilman Wayne Barnhart said. “But I ...
Published 4/11/2012
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Vote yes, and the end will begin
Say we vote yes for Proposition 1, then what? Nothing glamorous, that’s certain. We’re voting to impose a 0.1 percent sales tax on ourselves and our customers, not to build big beautiful arena or some other great civic project, but to fend off financial calamity and all the complications that ...
Published 3/30/2012
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Remember just what’s at stake here
Today, the ballots for Proposition 1 were expected to be sent out to voters throughout much of Chelan and Douglas counties. Voters will be deciding whether to impose a tiny one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax increase to prevent a default on the bonds sold to finance the Town Toyota ...
Published 3/28/2012
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Proposition 1: The list of supporters is growing longer
Here are some of the supporters of Proposition 1
Published 3/28/2012
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Proposition 1: The community is taking sides of the arena tax issue
WENATCHEE — Supporters of a regional sales tax to save the Town Toyota Center are taking their message public any way they can. They’ve printed up T-shirts, set up information booths at home shows and hockey games, carried signs in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, taken out full-page ads in ...
Published 3/27/2012
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Ballot measure seeks to help Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — About a week from now, most registered voters in Chelan and Douglas counties will get a ballot in the mail asking them to vote on Proposition 1. The measure is seek a 0.1-percent increase in the current sales tax rate to help pay for Town Toyota Center operations ...
Published 3/22/2012
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Sales tax 101
WENATCHEE — When you buy a car, you pay sales tax. But when you buy a house that’s not brand new, you don’t. Sales tax is added on to a wide range of goods and services to help pay for government services. The money is collected by the state, which ...
Published 3/22/2012
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Voting no won’t fix anything now
Why should we reward a bad idea built upon false assumptions that then was imposed on us without our say? That’s how some people are looking at the sales tax measure that will be on the April 17 ballot to rescue the Town Toyota Center and the city of Wenatchee.
Published 3/7/2012
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Wenatchee imposes sales tax increase
The Wenatchee City Council voted unanimously tonight to impose a 0.2-percent sales tax to help solve the Town Toyota Center debt crisis.
Published 3/1/2012
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House approves Wenatchee tax bill
The House approved a bill late Wednesday afternoon that will allow the city of Wenatchee to impose a sales tax increase without public vote to help pay off the Town Toyota Center debt.
Published 2/29/2012
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House bill still alive after last-minute drama
OLYMPIA — As Town Toyota Center supporters anxiously awaited some legislative action on a bill that would help pay off the arena’s debt on Tuesday, some behind-the-scenes drama nearly killed the bill and then revived it late into the night. Now it appears that House leadership will allow SSB 5984 ...
Published 2/29/2012
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House adjourns again without voting on Wenatchee tax issue
The state House adjourned tonight after nine hours of voting and caucuses without taking action on a bill to help Wenatchee pay for the Town Toyota Center.
Published 2/28/2012
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Regional unity has great value
“A yes vote from Chelan will strengthen regional ties with our fellow communities and counties. There is good in standing together to work out a solution and to shoulder a burden no one expected and no one wanted,” explained Chelan City Councilwoman Wendy Isenhart Thursday as she voted to allow ...
Published 2/24/2012
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Default is the worst solution
The communities and counties involved in the Public Facilities District have every right to be furious at the city of Wenatchee over the need for a regional sales tax increase to stop the default on the $41.8 million Town Toyota Center. Wenatchee officials approached the cities of Chelan, Cashmere, Rock ...
Published 2/22/2012
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Some of the supporters in favor of a regional solution for the arena
The following individuals have stated their support for Senate Bill 5984, which would stop the default of the Public Facilities District
Published 2/22/2012
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Leaders try to convince Chelan on sales tax issue
Leaders from four cities and two counties showed up to a special Chelan City Council meeting Tuesday night to make a case for why Chelan should join them in allowing a regional vote on a 0.1-percent sales tax increase to save the Town Toyota Center.
Published 2/21/2012
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Arena bail-out bill closes in on final vote
OLYMPIA — A plan to rescue Town Toyota Center has cleared the House Ways and Means Committee, but faces more hurdles before it lands on the governor’s desk for signature. The House committee approved SB 5984 by a vote of 17 to 9. The Senate has already approved the bill.
Published 2/21/2012
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Arena will hire bankruptcy lawyer — just in case
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center governing board voted Thursday to retain a bankruptcy law firm in case a plan to rescue the arena falls through. The board of the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District decided to go with Florida-based Berger Singerman, and must pay the firm ...
Published 2/17/2012
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House committee hears testimony on Wenatchee tax increase
OLYMPIA — Elected officials and business leaders made their case to lawmakers on Wednesday to let Wenatchee impose a sales tax increase without a public vote and rescue the Town Toyota Center and the city.
Published 2/15/2012
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Local delegation headed to Olympia for arena bill
WENATCHEE — A delegation of officials and Town Toyota Center supporters are heading to Olympia today to try to convince lawmakers to pass a bill that would let Wenatchee impose a new tax to help save the troubled arena. Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz said he plans to stay in Olympia ...
Published 2/15/2012
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With legislation expected to pass, city may approve tax increase in two weeks
WENATCHEE — A majority of Wenatchee City Council members say they will vote to impose a sales tax increase, possibly before the end of the month, to help pay off the Town Toyota Center debt if the Legislature gives them the go-ahead. “I don’t like it. I’m not a big ...
Published 2/11/2012
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Senate approves latest bill to help Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — The state Senate has passed a bill that would allow Wenatchee to impose a sales tax increase without a public vote to help rescue the Town Toyota Center from default and relieve pressure on the city’s budget. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
Published 2/10/2012
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Mayor says arena will close at least temporarily
WENATCHEE — Even if local leaders agree on a fix for the Town Toyota Center, Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz believes it will have to close its doors for at least part of this year. The city of Wenatchee has agreed to help cover the arena’s operating expenses through the end ...
Published 2/8/2012
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Bill would let financially ‘fragile’ Wenatchee tax without public vote
WENATCHEE — Legislation that would allow Wenatchee to impose a sales tax increase without a public vote to help pay for Town Toyota Center cleared its first hurdle on Tuesday. The Senate Ways and Means Committee passed SSB 5984, which primarily calls for a financial review of local governments and ...
Published 2/8/2012
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Crowd gathers to support arena
About 900 people crowded on the main ice rink at the Town Toyota Center on Monday to show their support for the troubled arena. “It was overwhelming,” said Tami Gurnard, registrar for the Wenatchee Amateur Hockey Association, who organized the picture. “We had people from the local quilting group, curlers, ...
Published 2/7/2012
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Bankruptcy looms as groups try to rally support for troubled arena
WENATCHEE — As supporters of the Town Toyota Center try to rally the community to keep it from closing, the arena’s governing board has begun exploring the possibility of bankruptcy. The Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District board on Thursdsay agreed to interview two law firms — one ...
Published 2/3/2012
Arena users wanted for group photo
WENATCHEE — Calling all hockey players, figure skaters, curlers and anyone else who uses or supports the Town Toyota Center. Youth hockey leaders are trying to get everyone together for a group picture at the arena at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Published 2/2/2012
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Counties say ‘No’ to 0.2-percent tax measure; new plan emerges
WENATCHEE — A regional 0.2-percent sales tax increase is off the table, but local leaders are pursuing a new plan that would have Wenatchee paying an even higher tax rate and surrounding communities a smaller one.
Published 2/2/2012
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Counties say 'No' to .2-percent tax measure
A regional .2-percent sales tax increase is off the table, but local leaders are still pursuing the possibility of a smaller one.
Published 2/1/2012
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Styx lyric contest begins
Win two free tickets to the Feb. 1 Styx concert at Town Toyota Center. All you have to do is post your clever rework of the first two lines to “Sail Away” on The Wenatchee World’s Facebook page. We’ll pick the best of the best Monday morning. Good luck, and ...
Published 1/26/2012
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Cashmere Council supports sales tax proposal
WENATCHEE — The Cashmere City Council voted this week to support a plan to seek a public vote on a sales tax increase to help pay off Town Toyota Center. The council voted unanimously on Monday to write a letter in support of East Wenatchee Mayor Steve Lacy’s proposal.
Published 1/25/2012
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Lacy less convinced that sales tax is the answer
WENATCHEE — East Wenatchee Mayor Steve Lacy appears to be taking a step back from his Town Toyota Center bail-out proposal, saying he wants to first find out if it would cost his city more to hand over sales tax revenues for 15 years or to be sued by spurned ...
Published 1/18/2012
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Sales tax is key to arena staying open
WENATCHEE — The thermostat has been turned down and the lights are being shut off early these days at the Town Toyota Center. Now ticket sales for what is normally the arena’s best-selling show are sketchy. The question on everyone’s minds these days is how long can the arena stay ...
Published 1/18/2012
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Councils get mixed messages on Town Toyota Center debt issue
CHELAN — East Wenatchee Mayor Steve Lacy faced some competition as he kicked off his Town Toyota Center road show this week. Lacy spoke with the Chelan and Entiat city councils on Thursday night and Chelan County commissioners earlier this week about his plan for paying off the arena’s outstanding ...
Published 1/13/2012
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Justices consider arena’s dilemma
WENATCHEE — The state’s high court Tuesday questioned whether the Town Toyota Center will ever be able to pay its own way and, if not, whether the city of Wenatchee can afford to do it.
Published 1/11/2012
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City gives arena a helping hand
WENATCHEE — The city of Wenatchee will provide free financial and computer help to the Town Toyota Center and use reserve funds to take over the arena’s kitchen equipment lease to help keep the facility afloat. “The city is trying to do what it can to help out,” Mayor Frank ...
Published 1/10/2012
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Arena debt question headed to Supreme Court
PFD appeals Judge Bridge’s September ruling
WENATCHEE — The state Supreme Court will step into the Town Toyota Center fray next week. The high court has been asked by the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District, which owns the financially troubled arena, to overturn a lower-court decision that impedes the district from refinancing its ...Published 1/7/2012
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Leaders will move forward with sales tax idea
WENATCHEE — Mayors and commissioners from Chelan and Douglas counties appear to favor asking voters for a sales tax increase to pay off the Town Toyota Center’s debt. “We’re all getting behind Mayor Lacy’s plan,” said Douglas County Commissioner Ken Stanton. “It’s the only one that doesn’t need any legislative ...
Published 1/5/2012
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Leaders will move forward with sales tax idea
WENATCHEE — Mayors and commissioners from Chelan and Douglas counties appear to favor asking voters for a sales tax increase to pay off the Town Toyota Center’s debt. Officials from nine governments in the two counties met this morning at the arena to continue hashing out how to rescue the ...
Published 1/4/2012
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Three plans for saving Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — Three local plans have now emerged for solving the Town Toyota Center debt crisis. They all would require a public vote and some would need approval from the state Legislature. In all the scenarios, the city of Wenatchee would carry the largest burden for paying off the $42 ...
Published 1/4/2012
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Town Toyota Center headed for more trouble
WENATCHEE — With mounting legal bills, the Town Toyota Center is on course to start losing money by March. It’s unclear yet how the money shortfall might affect special events or the daily activities of the arena. However, Wenatchee officials fear that they will be asked to bail out the ...
Published 12/30/2011
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Putting a face to the arena investors
WENATCHEE — “My name is Jacqueline,” the email started. “I invested in good faith in the municipal bond issued by Wenatchee. Three years ago I went for routine back surgery. The next day in the hospital I had a massive stroke. After three months of rehab I had to learn ...
Published 12/21/2011
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East Wenatchee mayor working on arena fix
WENATCHEE — East Wenatchee Mayor Steve Lacy believes he’s found a way out of the Town Toyota Center mess. Lacy is working on a plan that would ask nine local jurisdictions to allow a public vote on a .2-percent sales tax increase that would be considered a loan to help ...
Published 12/17/2011
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SEC investigating Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has opened an investigation relating to the Town Toyota Center financing. The city received a letter on Friday from the agency’s Division of Enforcement stating that it was conducting a confidential, informal investigation and asking the city to voluntarily hand over a ...
Published 12/13/2011
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Arena bill won't be heard by Senate
A bill that would have rescued the Town Toyota Center from default will not be heard by the Senate.
Published 12/8/2011
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Some arena bondholders unexpectly paid back
Some investors in the Town Toyota Center were mysteriously paid back this week, but no local officials know why.
Published 12/8/2011
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Bailout bill hits a wall in the Senate
WENATCHEE — The chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee will not allow a hearing on a revised bill to rescue the Town Toyota Center from default, saying the bill is essentially dead. “For all intents and purposes, this is over,” said Sen. Ed Murray.
Published 12/7/2011
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Senate committee won't hear arena bill
The chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee will not allow a hearing on a revised bill to rescue to Town Toyota Center from default.
Published 12/6/2011
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Arena bill’s chances are diminishing
WENATCHEE — A controversial bill to rescue Wenatchee’s Town Toyota Center from default is still alive but hopes that lawmakers will approve it are waning. “It doesn’t look good right now,” Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, said. “There’s just not enough votes in the Senate.”
Published 12/5/2011
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City approves budget with no service, staff cuts
WENATCHEE — A spending plan with no major service cuts or layoffs has been set for Wenatchee, but there’s no certainty that it will stick next year. “I think there was more fear than actual cuts in this budget,” Mayor Dennis Johnson said.
Published 12/2/2011
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Surrounding communities tell Wenatchee to pay for the arena itself
WENATCHEE — Officials from several local cities and counties say they should not be made to pay for the Town Toyota Center and presented Wenatchee leaders with a plan to shoulder the arena’s entire $42 million debt alone. “It is the feeling of the seven of us ... that we ...
Published 12/2/2011
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Arena bill still alive, bondholders agree to be patient
WENATCHEE — A faltering bill to save the Town Toyota Center from financial disaster is still limping through the legislative process and will get a new hearing today before lawmakers. Meanwhile, the state Treasurer’s Office has struck a deal with some bondholders to hold off taking any legal action against ...
Published 12/2/2011
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Town Toyota Center headed for default today
WENATCHEE — Lawmakers will not vote on a bill to loan $42 million to the Town Toyota Center in time to prevent default on the arena’s debt today. “We’re going into default,” Wenatchee City Councilwoman Karen Rutherford said. “It’s hard to even say the word.”
Published 12/1/2011
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Town Toyota Center headed for default
Lawmakers will not vote on the Town Toyota Center bill in time to stop default on Thursday.
Published 11/30/2011
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Lawmakers pushing hard for arena bill
OLYMPIA — The Legislature has delayed voting on a bill to pay off the Town Toyota Center debt as local lawmakers scramble to get enough support to pass it. Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, and Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, were meeting with senators this morning to win more votes ...
Published 11/30/2011
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City leaders pledge to make good on loan
WENATCHEE — Incoming Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz apologized to state senators for having to deal with the Town Toyota Center debt and said the city will do its part if lawmakers approve a bailout loan for the troubled arena. Kuntz told the Senate Ways and Means Committee that the city ...
Published 11/30/2011
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Sponsor: $42M Wenatchee bailout plan in trouble
OLYMPIA — Lawmakers are struggling to get enough support for a bailout plan that would make a key bond payment this week for a Wenatchee-area agency. East Wenatchee Rep. Cary Condotta said Tuesday that the package doesn't have enough support in his Republican caucus. He says the bill's chances are ...
Published 11/29/2011
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Local officials testify on arena debt bill
Incoming Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz apologized to state senators this afternoon for their being asked to bail out the Town Toyota Center debt and pledged that the city will take necessary steps to pay back a proposed state loan to fix the problem.
Published 11/29/2011
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Johnson and Kuntz headed to Olympia for arena bill
WENATCHEE — Wenatchee’s outgoing and incoming mayors were heading to Olympia today to possibly testify on a bill that would save the Town Toyota Center from default. Mayor Dennis Johnson and incoming Mayor Frank Kuntz were asked to be available for questions when the Senate Ways and Means Committee discusses ...
Published 11/29/2011
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Live streaming arena bailout: Day Two
Senate Ways and Means Committee considers Town Toyota Center bill
The Town Toyota Center $42 million rescue package goes before state senators during a hearing that starts at 3:30 p.m. hearing today. We'll have a live feed from TVW.Published 11/29/2011
Lawmakers give early approval of $42 million arena bailout
Condotta: "We're not asking for money here. We're asking for time."
With a key bond payment due later this week, a panel of state lawmakers gave early approval Monday to a $42 million bailout package that would prevent a default on Wenatchee's Town Toyota Center.Published 11/28/2011
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Live streaming 1:30 p.m.: Town Toyota Center bailout hearing
House Ways and Means Committee begins deliberations today
The Town Toyota Center bailout bill goes before state lawmakers at 1:30 p.m. today. We have a live feed from TVW and a link to The World report advancing today's hearing.Published 11/28/2011
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Arena bill changed to eliminate forced sales tax
Proposed state legislation to prevent default on the Town Toyota Center debt would no longer allow the arena's governing board to force a sales tax on nine surrounding jurisdictions.
Published 11/24/2011
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Legislators hold noses, talk arena
OLYMPIA — Reluctant state lawmakers outlined a plan Wednesday that would provide a $42 million bailout package for a Wenatchee-area agency that’s nearing default on the city’s arena. Rep. Mike Armstrong, R-Wenatchee, said he hopes the bill will be able to pass before a key bond payment is due next ...
Published 11/23/2011
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Local leaders won’t challenge arena bill
WENATCHEE — Chelan and Douglas county commissioners met jointly behind closed doors Tuesday afternoon to gauge interest in trying to stop a state bill that could force their jurisdictions to help pay for the Town Toyota Center’s debt. But the group, which also included East Wenatchee Mayor Steve Lacy and ...
Published 11/23/2011
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Surrounding communities unhappy with state plan
A proposal that could force surrounding jurisdictions to help pay off the Town Toyota Center angered some leaders who still expect Wenatchee to shoulder the burden.
Published 11/18/2011
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Local leaders will hear details of arena bail-out bill on Friday
WENATCHEE — A proposed state bill that would bail out the Town Toyota Center will likely address a controversial sales tax that has sharply divided the nine jurisdictions that helped build the arena. Local lawmakers and the state Treasurer’s Office hope to have the details of the bill mostly worked ...
Published 11/16/2011
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At Town Toyota Center, the show still goes on
WENATCHEE — It’s just before 6 on a crisp fall morning, and figure skaters are quietly filing into the Town Toyota Center. The arena staff has been here for an hour, preparing the ice, cranking up the heaters and getting ready for a full day of activities.
A month of workdays shows hockey and concerts are just the tip of the iceberg
Published 11/12/2011
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Arena’s credit rating drops
WENATCHEE — The long-term credit worthiness of the public agency that owns the debt-strapped Town Toyota Center has been lowered to questionable levels. The credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s dropped the rating from A-minus to CCC, said Pete Fraley, attorney from the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities ...
Published 11/11/2011
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Lawmakers will be asked to loan money for arena debt
The state Treasurer's Office will ask lawmakers during next month's special session to loan the money needed to pay off the Town Toyota Center's nearly $42 million debt.
Published 10/28/2011
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Arena bondholders want their money
WENATCHEE — Investors who hold nearly one-third of the Town Toyota Center’s outstanding bonds expect to be paid back when the bonds expire on Dec. 1. A Denver-based law firm representing those bond holders recently sent letters to local and state officials stating that the investors expect to be paid ...
Published 10/22/2011
State treasurer takes more steps to help
WENATCHEE — The state Treasurer has retained a law firm and called a former assistant treasurer out of retirement to help resolve the Town Toyota Center’s debt crisis. The state office hired the law firm for the possibility that the Treasurer’s Office will intervene in a court appeal over whether ...
Published 10/14/2011
City seeks to sell bonds for Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — The City Council asked Mayor Dennis Johnson on Thursday to begin working with bond experts on an $18 million to $20 million bond for the Town Toyota Center. The money would be loaned to the arena’s owner — the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District — ...
Published 10/14/2011
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City to pursue up to $20 million bond issue for Town Toyota Center
Wenatchee City Council directed Mayor Dennis Johnson to begin working on an $18 milliont o $20 million bond issue for the Town Toyota Center.
Published 10/13/2011
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City and arena lose credit ratings
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center’s credit rating has been downgraded for the second time this year, and now the city of Wenatchee’s rating has slipped because of its association with the arena. The lowered credit ratings came as a result of last month’s court decision that the city could ...
Published 10/7/2011
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Mayor apologizes, asks for help
WENATCHEE — Mayor Dennis Johnson apologized Friday to officials from the nine cities and counties that helped build the Town Toyota Center and then issued a plea for help. With elected officials from throughout Chelan and Douglas counties crowded into a room at the Town Toyota Center, Johnson asked them ...
Published 10/1/2011
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State presses local officials to avoid arena default
WENATCHEE — The only option left for avoiding default on the Town Toyota Center’s $41.8 million debt is for the city of Wenatchee to take over its operating costs, an assistant state treasurer said today. That would allow all revenues generated from events and user fees at the center — ...
Published 9/30/2011
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Default will take everyone down
At a particularly difficult moment in the Civil War, it was President Abraham Lincoln who came up with the apt metaphor for a painful lack of decisive leadership. His befuddled field commander of the moment was stunned, he said, acting “like a duck hit on the head.” When it comes ...
Published 9/29/2011
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Arena founders to meet state leaders
WENATCHEE — Sen. Linda Evans Parlette sees herself as a moderator, bringing together all sides to find a solution to a massive problem. That problem is the Town Toyota Center’s nearly $42 million outstanding debt.
Published 9/28/2011
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Debt discussion is finally opening
Sen. Linda Evans Parlette deserves credit for making an attempt to bring people together to talk about solving the problem of the Town Toyota Center debt, even as legal wrangling continues and a bond default looms. It is disquieting that that effort comes, if not at the eleventh hour, awfully ...
Published 9/28/2011
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Arena board to appeal court decision
The governing board of the Town Toyota Center voted late Monday afternoon to appeal a judge's decision that Wenatchee could not legally back the arena's debt.
Published 9/27/2011
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Tom O’Connell’s winning case
Tom O’Connell was nervous as he headed the few blocks from his office to court. In 25 years of practicing law, he said, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been nervous like that.”
Published 9/17/2011
State treasurer: Act now to minimize arena damage
WENATCHEE — A default on the Town Toyota Center’s debt would spread beyond Wenatchee to every community involved in the public facilities district that approved it, state Treasurer James L. McIntire told local officials Friday. “Virtually every entity that is part of the public facilities district, that touched it, will ...
Published 9/16/2011
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City wants to talk arena debt options with other officials
WENATCHEE — Wenatchee officials want to meet soon with the leaders of the other eight cities and counties that helped create the Town Toyota Center to figure out how to pay off its debt. “We want to find out if this is just Wenatchee’s problem or if the partners are ...
Published 9/14/2011
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PFD members feel protected from liability
WENATCHEE — The other eight cities and counties that own the Town Toyota Center are feeling fairly insulated from financial risk in the wake of last week’s court decision that the ninth, Wenatchee — and only fiscally liable — member cannot legally pay the arena’s debt. And while many are ...
Published 9/13/2011
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Taxpayers’ victory leaves city and arena unsure of the future
WENATCHEE — One lawyer openly celebrated what he called a victory for the taxpayers of Wenatchee, while several other lawyers met behind closed doors with local officials to figure out what’s next. “I’m certainly pleased,” attorney Tom O’Connell said Thursday after Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges ruled that ...
Published 9/9/2011
Arena debt is PFD’s
WENATCHEE — Backing the Town Toyota Center’s debt would constitute debt and would exceed the city of Wenatchee’s legal debt limit, a judge ruled this morning. “The city’s pledge of its full faith and credit in making loans ... exceeds the city’s rights,” Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges ...
Published 9/8/2011
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Audit knocks arena finances
WENATCHEE — It came as no surprise that the state Auditor’s Office found in a recent audit that the Town Toyota Center does not generate enough revenues to cover its expenses and debt payments. The audit released Tuesday is nearly identical to one from a year ago, which also knocked ...
Published 9/7/2011
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Arena debt question goes to court Thursday
WENATCHEE — The city and its taxpayers will square off in court Thursday to determine nothing less than Wenatchee’s financial future for decades to come. The half-day hearing in Chelan County Superior Court will pit lawyers for the city, the Town Toyota Center and the taxpayers in a scramble to ...
Published 9/7/2011
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Lawyer: Arena debt would be city’s
Says debt deal “eerily similar” to disastrous ’80s default case
WENATCHEE — The lawyer hired by the city to be its adversary in a lawsuit over the Town Toyota Center debt says city and arena officials are trying to circumvent the state Constitution. A proposal for the city to guarantee bonds for the arena’s nearly $42 million debt should be ...Published 8/26/2011
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Center hires new marketing director
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center has hired veteran marketer Jennifer Bushong in an effort to boost events and attendance. Bushong, owner of JB Marketing Group in Wenatchee, was introduced Thursday to the arena’s governing board.
Published 8/26/2011
Local bank gives city three-year loan extension
WENATCHEE — Cashmere Valley Bank has decided to extend for another three years a short-term loan to the city of Wenatchee that helped build the public services center on McKittrick Street But the city will have to pay a higher interest rate, pay down the loan first and immediately commit ...
Cashmere Valley insists on pay-down, higher interest rate
Published 8/18/2011
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Stage is set for arena debt lawsuit
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center’s governing board has unveiled its case, completing the initial round of filings in a lawsuit to determine whether the city of Wenatchee can legally back the arena’s debt. The stage is nearly set for the city, arena board and the taxpayers of Wenatchee to ...
Published 8/16/2011
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City lays out its debt case in court
WENATCHEE — The city says state laws passed in the late 1800s to limit city spending are not clear enough to easily determine whether Wenatchee can legally back the Town Toyota Center’s nearly $42 million outstanding debt. The city laid out its case in court documents filed Thursday in Chelan ...
Published 8/12/2011
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City seeking applicants for arena board
WENATCHEE — The city is accepting applications for a vacant seat on the Town Toyota Center’s governing board. The seven-member Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities Board oversees the operation of the arena and is working to refinance nearly $42 million in outstanding debt.
Published 8/8/2011
City will spend an extra $450,000 on legal fees
WENATCHEE — The city’s bill for extra legal services surrounding the refinancing of the Town Toyota Center is expected to hit $450,000. The city didn’t budget any money for it and the City Council will have to amend this year’s budget to reflect the added costs.
Published 8/5/2011
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Jarvis resigns from arena board
Joe Jarvis, who has served as chairman of the Town Toyota Center board since it was formed in 2006, has resigned.
Published 8/4/2011
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Judge allows facilities district to join arena suit
Sept. 8 is big court date
WENATCHEE — A lawsuit to determine whether the city of Wenatchee can legally back the Town Toyota Center’s debt got under way Wednesday in Chelan County Superior Court. “And it begins,” Councilwoman Karen Rutherford said, giving a big sigh after the initial hearing ended. “I’m so anxious for this to ...Published 7/28/2011
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Arena owner joins suit over Town Toyota Center debt
WENATCHEE — The first court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday to determine whether the city of Wenatchee can legally back the Town Toyota Center’s debt. The hearing is set for 1 p.m. in Chelan County Superior Court before Judge John Bridges. The case had originally been assigned to Judge T.W. ...
Published 7/26/2011
Arena needs a thorough investigation
Finally! The sole “Fiercely independent voice of North Central Washington” has reverted to the fundamental principles of responsible journalism embodied in — and guaranteed by — the very First Amendment to this country’s Constitution. First, with respect to its editorial on the financial predicament of the Town Toyota Center (TTC) ...
Published 7/19/2011
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We all have promises to keep
Why not just walk away? Give up. Default. We borrowed money. It was loaned to us because we provided the lender with an explicit promise to repay, with enough added interest to make the transaction attractive. It is a solemn, legal, contractual obligation.
Published 7/14/2011
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To pay or not to pay
WENATCHEE — City leaders are considering a range of painful options, from laying off nearly half the city’s firefighters to raising taxes in tough economic times, to pay for the Town Toyota Center. But some want them to consider another option: Skipping out on the $41.8 million debt altogether.
Published 7/14/2011
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Board’s behavior only undermines faith in the PFD
As officials with the city of Wenatchee and the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District explore ways of dealing with the Town Toyota Center financial mess it is vital they do so in as open a way as possible. Eventually, voters in Wenatchee and possibly the entire district ...
Published 7/6/2011
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Face it, parks were never free
Our parks are no longer free. This is a sad day. Once again inefficient, greedy, incompetent government chooses to poke its thumb in the public eye by denying free access to the public’s land. That’s a silly way to put it, of course. Parks were never free and we all ...
Published 6/21/2011
New parks tax could go to voters in November
WENATCHEE — Voters may be asked in November to tax themselves to pay for Wenatchee’s parks, which could take a financial hit as Town Toyota Center debt consumes more of the city’s budget. The city’s parks board will talk Tuesday about asking the City Council to place the proposal on ...
Published 6/20/2011
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City opts against paying operating costs
WENATCHEE — The City Council would prefer the certainty of Town Toyota Center debt payments over the uncertainty of its operating expenses. The council on Thursday agreed to continue working on a new agreement to loan the arena’s owner — the Greater Wenatchee Events Center Public Facilities District — the ...
Uncertainty over arena’s expenses leads decision
Published 6/17/2011
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Arena decisions could be at hand for city
Two payment options are on Thursday's agenda, but council members may need more time to think
WENATCHEE — Pressure is mounting for City Council members to make some critical decisions regarding if and how they pay for the Town Toyota Center. The agenda for Thursday’s special City Council meeting includes voting on a new agreement with the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center, which owns the arena. ...Published 6/14/2011
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City task force members want more information
WENATCHEE — A group of business and community leaders invited to advise city leaders on budget issues has shriveled in size and task. At least one member no longer wants it to be called a blue ribbon task force, and some City Council members say they will no longer be ...
Published 6/11/2011
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City gets sobering look at future budget
Town Toyota Center debt payments could cripple pool, parks, museum, fire department
WENATCHEE — Armed with the most up-to-date estimates on how much the city will be paying toward Town Toyota Center debt starting next year, City Council members on Thursday were hit with some worst-case budget scenarios. No swimming pool. No museum. No funding for parks. Reduced funding for street repairs. ...Published 6/3/2011
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State tourneys unlikely for TTC
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association can’t get on the same page regarding state tournaments coming to the facility. That doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon.
Main culprits: Lack of court space and dates set side for Wild
Published 6/2/2011
Frustration high as council struggles with debt
WENATCHEE — Emotions were raw and tempers flared at a workshop Thursday as city leaders continue to struggle with looming decisions that will affect Wenatchee’s finances for decades to come. The discussion on how to further involve community and business leaders in deciding how to cut expenses or raise taxes ...
Town Toyota Center’s problems take toll
Published 5/20/2011
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Arena board’s satisfied with food upgrades
WENATCHEE — Town Toyota Center management would like to offer a three-year contract to its current food vendor, saying the company has made improvements in food quality and service over the last year. The arena’s governing board gave General Manager Mark Miller the go-ahead last week to draw up a ...
Center managers plan to re-sign current vendor
Published 5/17/2011
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Arena manager: It will never turn big profits
Says Town Toyota Center can’t afford losing money on acts like those at Mill Bay
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center may not be bringing in million-dollar profits, but it is booked nearly every weekend, Manager Mark Miller said. Miller told the arena’s governing board on Monday that he is feeling pressure from the community to increase the number of events and generate more money ...Published 5/13/2011
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On arena, city is told to consider different options
WENATCHEE — City officials were told to broaden their vision for weathering the Town Toyota Center’s looming debt. Mayor Dennis Johnson and the majority of the City Council met Tuesday with a select group of business and community leaders to hear their ideas on how the city should make good ...
Business, community leaders weigh in on how to address debt payments
Published 5/11/2011
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Selling dreams
WENATCHEE — Global Entertainment Co. thought it had a winning business plan that would make a lot of money and revive stagnant communities. The Phoenix-based company that formed as a minor professional hockey league in the mid-1990s was going to bring big-city sporting events and entertainment to midtown America.
Global’s big talk didn’t add up to revenue for centers across the country
Published 5/6/2011
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Budget advisers heeding city’s call
WENATCHEE — What started as an effort by city leaders to solicit budget advice from a select group of business and community leaders has grown into what one council member fears is becoming a “blue ribbon mob.” The City Council initially invited 28 people to be part of a special ...
Business, community leaders coming out of the woodwork
Published 5/6/2011
Company left a trail of trouble
The events center was supposed to breathe new life into a midsized, waterfront community, luring new businesses, professional sports teams and concerts. Local officials jumped at the chance to invest $42 million — much of it coming in the form of free government money — to build it. “This is ...
Developer of Wenatchee’s arena struggled at sites across country
Published 5/5/2011
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City underwrites arena finances
Council moves to rescue Town Toyota Center with loan for millions in bonds
WENATCHEE — The City Council took a major step Thursday toward honoring a five-year-old promise to financially support the debt-ridden Town Toyota Center. Council members gave a thumbs-up to a contingency loan agreement that would underwrite much of the $43 million in long-term bonds to keep the three-year-old events center ...Published 4/29/2011
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City revenues looking good, so far
WENATCHEE – Mark Calhoun was smiling when he sat down to talk with Wenatchee City Council members on Thursday about finances. “We have a very different tone than we did a year ago, when everything was tracking on a downward trend,” the city’s finance director said.
Published 4/22/2011
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You can’t sell an arena’s debt
We’re still getting letters. Get it over with, they say. End our misery. Just sell Town Toyota Center and walk away from the deal. If only it were so simple. It isn’t easy to sell something worth next to nothing. To ponder the possibilities, consider the fate of the Pontiac ...
Published 4/8/2011
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Arena, Wild shake on deal to settle 2 suits
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center board and Wenatchee Wild have settled dueling lawsuits and a dispute that has been brewing for three years. “I think it was a good move on our part to move forward,” said Tim Cetto, a board member for the Greater Wenatchee Events Center Public ...
Shifts on PFD board clear way to compromise on tax fight
Published 4/8/2011
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Making the best of a bad situation
It is encouraging to finally see Mayor Dennis Johnson and the Wenatchee City Council opening up and acknowledging publicly the seriousness of the city’s financial troubles brought about by the Town Toyota Center debacle. The truth of the matter is that the failure of the Town Toyota Center to meet ...
Published 4/5/2011
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City seeks money as arena debt looms
WENATCHEE — A host of new taxes may be considered to pay for public services in Wenatchee after a bigger portion of the city’s budget starts going toward Town Toyota Center debt next year. Options could include a sales tax increase, property tax hike, formation of new taxing districts to ...
Published 4/4/2011
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Banker wants to send city a message
WENATCHEE — Banker Ken Martin is pulling together a group of local business leaders to issue a “hard line” message to the Wenatchee City Council on how to tackle the Town Toyota Center’s $42 million debt. Martin, president of Cashmere Valley Bank, said last week that he feels he has ...
Ken Martin forming group, wants to tell City Council that Toyota Center debt is its responsibility
Published 3/28/2011
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Board decides on bonds to pay off Town Toyota Center debt
Also asks city to sign contingency loan agreement
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center governing board voted Thursday to try and sell long-term bonds to pay off the arena’s nearly $42 million debt. The board also agreed to ask Wenatchee to sign a new contingency loan agreement to cover any shortfalls the Greater Wenatchee Events Center Public Facilities ...Published 3/25/2011
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Long-term bonds could be best bet for debt
WENATCHEE — Wenatchee City Council members were hit hard Wednesday by the stark reality of paying off the Town Toyota Center’s massive debt. “Right now, all I see is loss,” Councilwoman Karen Rutherford said with frustration in her voice.
City Council advised to guarantee loan to pay for Town Toyota Center
Published 3/10/2011
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The debt dilemma
How Wenatchee will deal with looming $42 million arena debt is still far from settled
WENATCHEE — Ask any public official and they’ll say default is simply not an option when it comes to the Town Toyota Center’s $42 million debt. But the “D” word is creeping into conversations around the community, fueled by uncertainty over just how the massive debt is going to be ...Published 3/7/2011
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Arena debt rains on Wenatchee
WENATCHEE — Not even in a worst-case scenario did Mayor Dennis Johnson think it would come to this. As he was rallying support for a new events center on Wenatchee’s waterfront five years ago, the most he thought the city ever would have to kick in toward the center’s debt ...
Published 3/5/2011
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Johnson’s final challenge
WENATCHEE — Mayor Dennis Johnson has decided he won’t seek a new term in office, but he still faces the daunting challenge this year of arranging new financing on Town Toyota Center’s $41.8 million debt. He views his remaining 10 months in office and the city’s future with a businessman’s ...
Refinancing arena casts long shadow over mayor’s last 10 months in office
Published 3/3/2011
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The Worm: Jobs done of love... and by necessity
A dog's best pal in Quincy retires; Town Toyota begins pat-downs to keep out booze; Chelan's Jillian Nelson lands part in Sandler-Aniston movie
Published 2/21/2011
Arena’s debt threatening sewer work
WENATCHEE — Uncertainty over Town Toyota Center’s debt might delay a multimillion-dollar upgrade to the city’s sewer system this year. “This (arena debt) is driving the bus on almost everything we are doing,” exasperated City Councilman Mark Kulaas said during a workshop Thursday. “Now we see it may potentially affect ...
Precariousness could affect city's bond rating, officials fear
Published 2/18/2011
48 comments
Arbitrator to settle arena tax dispute
Admissions tax is valid, says judge, but no ruling on if Wild should have to pay
WENATCHEE — A legal battle between the Wenatchee Wild and Town Toyota Center should be settled by an arbitrator and not in court, a judge says. “An arbitrator will have to decide whether the Wild has to pay it and how much they have to pay,” said Chuck Zimmerman, the ...Published 2/14/2011
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City hires lawyer to study its Town Toyota Center debt
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee City Council has hired a Seattle attorney to help determine the city’s financial responsibility in paying for Town Toyota Center. Attorney Arley Harrel of Williams, Kastner & Gibbs will represent the city as the Greater Wenatchee Public Facilities District works this year to find long-term financing ...
Published 2/7/2011
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Board gives up on arena sales tax
WENATCHEE — After much public bashing, an idea to raise the sales tax by 0.1 percent to help pay for the Town Toyota Center has apparently died. “We’re just not going there,” Joe Jarvis, chairman of the Greater Wenatchee Public Facilities District Board, said Monday. “I have no plans to ...
Public opposition's too stiff to justify a vote, district decides
Published 2/1/2011
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Marketing exec grabs center’s lead sales job
UPDATED 1/28, 10:56 a.m.: WENATCHEE — A former software marketing executive with a background in public relations has been hired as Town Toyota Center’s new director of sales, the events center announced Thursday. Anthony McCarty, 26, of East Wenatchee steps in to replace Linda Haglund, who resigned in December after ...
Published 1/27/2011
Arena board worried about city's new parking code
WENATCHEE — Town Toyota Center officials worry that a new city code that requires the owners of “illegal” parking lots to get city-issued permits could aggravate the arena’s parking crunch. But fixes are in the works, both city and arena staff said Monday.
Overflow lot owners will pay $450 for permits
Published 1/25/2011
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City's sales tax has little hope, consultant says
WENATCHEE — A sales tax proposal to help pay for Town Toyota Center likely would not fly with voters. That’s the conclusion that Bill Robinson, the expert hired to conduct an opinion poll of area voters, shared Wednesday with the events center’s governing board and the Wenatchee City Council.
Don't take arena survey results as encouragement, he cautions
Published 1/20/2011
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City appoints two to Public Facilities board
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee City Council reappointed Chairman Joe Jarvis and chose another new member for the board that governs the Town Toyota Center. Jarvis, operations manager of the Chelan County PUD, was chosen to serve a second two-year term.
Published 1/14/2011
Arena survey shows split on sales tax
Less than half in favor of plan, phone poll finds
WENATCHEE — If a recent phone survey is any indication, the public is almost evenly divided on the idea of a new sales tax to help pay for the Town Toyota Center. Exactly half of the 400 Chelan and Douglas county residents polled said they do not support the tax, ...Published 1/12/2011
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Wenatchee considering permits for temporary parking lots
WENATCHEE — Temporary parking lots near the Wenatchee Valley Senior Center and Town Toyota Center may soon require city approval. The city of Wenatchee is proposing a new application process for short-term parking lots that will require conditional-use permits and approval by a hearing examiner — and sets a two-year ...
Published 1/8/2011
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Lack of quorum could paralyze arena’s board
WENATCHEE — Without quick action by city leaders, the board that oversees the Town Toyota Center may soon be powerless. The seven-member governing board of the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District is in danger of not having a quorum, or majority of members, by its next meeting ...
If city doesn't pick new members soon, Jan. 19 meeting is off
Published 1/7/2011
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Arena owners, Wild face off
WENATCHEE — A dispute over unpaid admission taxes on Wenatchee Wild hockey games is headed to court. The governing board of the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District, which owns Town Toyota Center, on Thursday told its attorneys to file a lawsuit against Wenatchee Sports Partners, which owns ...
Published 12/31/2010
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City seeks applicants for Town Toyota Center board
WENATCHEE — The city is seeking applicants to fill two openings on the board that governs Town Toyota Center. Board members serve four-year terms. One of the openings is for a term that ends Dec. 31, 2012. The other is for a full term that begins Jan. 1.
Published 12/17/2010
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Haglund leaves arena for ‘normal job’
WENATCHEE — The sales director and enthusiastic advocate for Town Toyota Center has resigned her post for a “normal” job. Linda Haglund’s last day is Dec. 31.
Published 12/9/2010
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Paul Baxter out as Wild coach
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Wild, in the midst of a five-game losing streak, replaced Paul Baxter as head coach of the team late Wednesday. Rod Collins, the Wild’s general manager, will add interim head coach to his tile as well while a full-time coach is sought.
Published 11/24/2010
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Wenatchee officials see layoffs coming with $2 million shortfall
WENATCHEE — Layoffs appear likely as city department heads work to trim 12 percent from their preliminary 2011 budgets to close a $2 million spending shortfall. Mayor Dennis Johnson told City Council members Thursday that the goal is to retain all 192 employees.
Published 10/8/2010
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Wenatchee cuts arena tax request
WENATCHEE — City staff Thursday breathed new life into an apparently doomed 0.2 percent sales-tax increase proposal to fund Town Toyota Center by making a new offer for half as much. The offer reduces the proposed increase to 0.1 percent of all sales within the nine regional municipalities that own ...
Published 10/1/2010
34 comments
City leaves food service the way it is
WENATCHEE — Out of time and options, the City Council on Thursday agreed to keep food services the same, at least for now, at both Wenatchee Convention Center and Town Toyota Center. The city staff will seek a contract extension with Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel to continue providing marketing, booking, ...
Published 9/17/2010
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Union cheers city catering vote
WENATCHEE — The Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel is back from the brink of elimination in its bid to continue as manager of city conventions and related catering. In a decisive 5-2 vote, the Wenatchee City Council on Thursday denied a proposal to replace Coast with a proven national firm that ...
Published 9/10/2010
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Wenatchee council squares off on arena tax
WENATCHEE — The members of the government council with the biggest stake in a controversial proposal to raise the sales tax to cover Town Toyota Center debt are divided in their support of the issue. “We are the ones who have underwritten this project. It’s ours,” Wenatchee City Councilwoman Karen ...
Published 9/3/2010
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City lifts lid on new food proposal
WENATCHEE — A single food-service provider with expanded responsibilities is the city staff’s new top recommendation for improving quality, service and city revenue from food, beverage and catering sales at the Wenatchee Convention Center and Town Toyota Center. Under the latest proposal, Philadelphia-based food-service company Savor would not only handle ...
Published 8/27/2010
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Arena tax survives close call in Chelan
CHELAN — The Chelan City Council was poised to vote on whether to put a tax measure to fund Wenatchee’s Town Toyota Center shortfalls on the February ballot, but ended up tabling the matter Thursday night. “Basically, I think we postponed the inevitable,” Mayor Bob Goedde said this morning.
Published 8/27/2010
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Arena sales tax measure faces long odds
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center governing board has until Christmas Day to put a measure on the February ballot that, if approved by voters, would be the best belated Christmas present, ever — a gift of $3.6 million. That’s how much the board estimates it would take in per ...
Published 8/20/2010
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The perfect storm hits Town Toyota Center
In light of the fact that the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District is considering a tax initiative to support the future of the district and to support the debt of the Town Toyota Center, we would like to offer some history and some perspective. We hope it ...
Published 8/17/2010
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No takers yet on arena debt tax measure
WENATCHEE — Supporters of the Town Toyota Center are facing an uphill battle before they’ve even asked one city council or county commission to support a proposed ballot measure for a sales tax increase to help cover the arena’s debt. Two Chelan County commissioners said Monday that they do not ...
Published 8/17/2010
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Chuckle with Carrington at the TTC
Oklahoma comedian and country musician Rodney Carrington hauls booty to town Dec. 2. The foul-mouthed funny man is famous for penning an ode to his male organ and other suggestive singles such as “If I’m the Only One” and “Show Them to Me.”
Published 8/11/2010
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Arena weighs on Wenatchee
WENATCHEE — If residents of the nine municipalities that own Town Toyota Center don’t agree to share more of this events arena’s $41.8 million debt, Wenatchee’s residents, alone, could have to foot more than two-thirds of the bill. That’s the way it’s looking now, as the deadline to refinance the ...
Published 8/11/2010
42 comments
Wheelin’ and dealin’ at Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — It’s all about unloading history. Robert and Barb Scoville of Entiat had laid out box after box of compact discs, a medium that’s given way to the digital download. Bill Cass of East Wenatchee arrayed tableloads of farm implements, furniture and antique glass bottles from his family estate ...
‘Coolest’ yard sale keeps vendors on ice: Some opt to hawk their wares in the parking lot
Published 8/9/2010
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Arena board looking to taxpayers for help with debt
WENATCHEE — Most Chelan and Douglas County voters could be asked to decide in February whether they’re willing to pay a higher sales tax to cover debt service on Town Toyota Center. The events arena’s governing board favors asking voters for a 0.2 percent sales-tax increase to cover the controversial ...
Burdened with an annual debt-service fee of $3 million, they’re talking higher sales taxes for both sides of the river
Published 8/6/2010
85 comments
Arena hosts ‘Hot Blooded’ rockers
WENATCHEE — Classic rock crew Foreigner arrives at the Town Toyota Center, 1300 Walla Walla Ave., for a not-so-secret rendezvous. The band came on the scene in 1977 with its self-titled debut album, yielding hit singles “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice.” Up to 1994, Foreigner released ...
Published 5/24/2010
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Behind showtime
WENATCHEE — Yup, they’re quite a team. On game nights, they put on quite a show for Wenatchee hockey fans. And while the hockey players are definitely the stars of the show, the show would not go on without the efforts of the “team behind the team.”
Plenty of work goes into hockey night at Town Toyota Center
Published 5/7/2010
City looks at new convention center plan
WENATCHEE — City staff members have proposed ending the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel’s nearly 30-year run as manager of the city’s convention center to reduce costs by as much as $675,000 annually. The proposal would make the Wenatchee Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau responsible for managing and promoting the convention ...
Published 5/7/2010
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Backstreet’s back at TTC
Teen-pop’s premier act hits Wenatchee arena
The Backstreet Boys put the moves on Town Toyota Center Aug. 4.Published 5/4/2010
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Town Toyota Center is beating budget
WENATCHEE — Fueled by increased attendance, the Town Toyota Center events arena posted a $61,536 net gain through February and is on budget to meet its share of an upcoming bond payment. “This looks really great, but it’s no guarantee of the full year,” Deanne McDaniel, accounting supervisor for the ...
Events draw crowds, rack up the revenues
Published 4/16/2010
19 comments
Hockey community wants defibrillators since arena scare
WENATCHEE — Al Murphy had just come off the ice during his third hockey game of the day Sunday, when he collapsed on the bench and stopped breathing. His teammates started CPR, while others raced around Town Toyota Center in search of a portable heart defibrillator. But there wasn’t one ...
Good may come from close call
Published 4/14/2010
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On the prowl
A touring cast of ‘Cats’ slips into Town Toyota Center
In a way, you could call this Town Toyota Center’s theatrical baptism. The 4,500-seat arena has hosted major entertainment events before, even some theatrical-style stuff like “Disney’s High School Musical: The Ice Tour.”Published 3/25/2010
Wenatchee to welcome Merle Haggard
WENATCHEE — Merle Haggard, a giant among country performers, will stride the stage of the Town Toyota Center at 7:30 p.m. April 29, smack in the middle of Apple Blossom festivities.
The Okie from Muskogee makes a Town Toyota Center debut
Published 3/24/2010
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Manage arena, convention center together, consultant says
WENATCHEE — Managing and marketing the city’s events arena and convention center together could save money, lure more tourists and create more tax revenue. That was the message that Eric Hovee, a Vancouver-based consultant, delivered Thursday to the City Council and the Town Toyota Center governing board.
Published 3/22/2010
5 comments
Sports, shows delight crowds at city’s arena
Town Toyota Center, which opened in October 2008 in Wenatchee, is a $53 million, multipurpose, year-round event center. The 4,500-seat arena, situated near the riverfront, hosts Wenatchee Wild hockey games, trade shows, concerts and ice shows, and has a full-size community ice rink.
Published 3/19/2010
Home show through Sunday at Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — The 34th annual KPQ Home and Garden Show continues this weekend at the Town Toyota Center. The free event is from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Published 3/13/2010
Rock or Jock? Town Toyota Center looks for a winning revenue mix
WENATCHEE — Town Toyota Center set out to make money in two ways: sports and shows. It was half successful — the half that earns less cash. The challenge now for Mark Miller, general manager of the civic arena, is to build on the strong sports showing — with its ...
Published 3/6/2010
12 comments
Want to see it? Great. But what would you pay?
We like Bill Cosby, but not for $65. We’ll rock out to Styx, but for less than $45, please. And who’s this Sir Mix-a-Lot person anyway? A survey of Web site visitors and Town Toyota Center’s registered customers finds that concert-goers really want to see certain artists perform at the ...
Published 3/6/2010
14 comments
City Council renames three to citizen boards
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee City Council on Thursday renamed Jim Richardson to the board that governs the Town Toyota Center events arena. Richardson, who is president of Wenatchee Valley College, will serve a new four-year term on the board, which is officially called the Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public ...
Published 1/29/2010
Douglas County OKs Granstrom replacement on arena board
WATERVILLE — Douglas Poole of East Wenatchee will take over the Town Toyota Center governing board’s seat vacated in December by Eric Granstrom. Granstrom had said he was resigning to avoid conflicts of interest with his salaried job as marketing director of the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council.
Published 1/25/2010
Arena still sweeping up mess
WENATCHEE — Crank up the Zamboni Before Friday’s hockey game, Town Toyota Center’s main rink will need some quick polishing after the dirt’s removed and the holes patched from last weekend’s indoor motocross event. In the wake of two nights of motorcycle jumping and racing, dirt-free ice on the center’s ...
Published 1/20/2010
7 comments
Dirt games: Chasing thrills and adrenaline at Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — Dirt and adrenaline mixed Friday and Saturday nights to create an eardrum-splitting, high-flying, mud-spewing display of motorized fun. Ed Beckley, owner of Texas-based Checkered Flag Productions, brought his Bad Boys of Arenacross to the Town Toyota Center and the crowds turned out in force. Attendance was 2,627 Friday ...
Published 1/18/2010
7 comments
Arena dirties up as crews get set for muddy show
WENATCHEE — Skating will be impossible at the big ice arena at Town Toyota Center through Sunday. The ice will be covered with up to 1,400 cubic yards of dirt — no good for jumps and other tricky maneuvers, unless you’re driving a big truck or a motocross bike.
Published 1/15/2010
4 comments
State tourney coming here?
WIAA checks out Wenatchee arena
WENATCHEE — A state high school tournament might be coming to Wenatchee. Cindy Adsit, executive director of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, visited the Town Toyota Center last week to check out the facility.Published 12/16/2009
Arena board member cites conflicts, gives up seat
WENATCHEE — Douglas County’s representative on the Town Toyota Center governing board resigned Friday. Eric Granstrom, who has served on the board since its inception three years ago, said he was resigning to avoid conflicts of interest with his salaried job as marketing director of the Wenatchee Valley Sports Council.
Published 12/12/2009
Arena’s 2010 budget hinges on revenue estimate
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center governing board Friday approved the arena’s $2.8 million operating budget for 2010. The budget includes $2.9 million in planned revenues for an expected operating surplus of $81,255.
Published 12/12/2009
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Arena, recession sock it to city budget
WENATCHEE — The City Council on Thursday approved a $53.3 million budget for 2010 with a key fund that’s still $95,000 in the red, despite cuts equal to more than seven full-time employees. The budget is nearly 14 percent — some $8.6 million — smaller than the original 2009 budget ...
Published 12/11/2009
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Hot on the ice
WENATCHEE — For the first couple years, it was hard to find enough teams to fill out a tournament bracket. Now it’s hard to find the time to squeeze in all the games. “This is the sixth year, and when we started we could barely get eight teams,” said Casi ...
Women’s hockey tourney grows at the Town Toyota Center to 22 teams, 44 games, three days
Published 11/21/2009
Three hockey games at TTC
WENATCHEE — Three men’s hockey teams will play exhibition games at the Town Toyota Center this Sunday, in an event organized by Hockey Wenatchee. A Wenatchee-based squad will play Central Washington University’s club team at 10:30 a.m., followed by Wenatchee facing off against Moses Lake at noon.
Published 11/14/2009
For arena, being green means looking to future
WENATCHEE — For the folks at the Town Toyota Center, being green means being ready for the future. While the Wenatchee arena was being constructed, Town Toyota Center director of sales Linda Haglund worked with Port of Chelan County economic development director Ron Johnson-Rodriguez in plans to wire the parking ...
Published 11/10/2009
A smooth skate into Year II at Town Toyota Center
WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Wild may be the Town Toyota Center’s most famous occupant — at least until arena football arrives next year — but many other groups use the facility on a regular basis. If it’s done on ice, it’s probably happening on a regular basis at the Town ...
Hockey, figure skating, curling all make use of the ice
Published 10/30/2009
Arena manager at center stage
WENATCHEE — Plenty of hopes and expectations are riding on Mark Miller, the new general manager of Town Toyota Center. He has more than a little community skepticism to contend with, too.
Big acts alone won’t cover costs, new Town Toyota Center boss says
Published 10/21/2009
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Our World: Arena manager has a challenge
The new manager of Town Toyota Center, Mark Miller, stopped by the office last week to get acquainted and ask some questions about the community. The guy certainly makes a good first impression, but boy oh boy, has he got a big job ahead of him.
Published 10/16/2009
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Arena flunks first audit, but fix is in
WENATCHEE — The Town Toyota Center has flunked — as expected — its first state audit since operations began in October 2008, but accounting fixes are already in place. The audit report, dated Sept. 4, reviewed the events arena’s first quarter of business operations, from October through December 2008.
Published 10/13/2009
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City council approves arena accounting deal
WENATCHEE — The City Council on Thursday approved an agreement to make Town Toyota Center’s finances more reliable by keeping the city’s financial staff involved in the books. To take effect, the agreement must also be approved by the Greater Wenatchee Public Facilities District (PFD), a league of nine cities, ...
Published 10/9/2009
City’s 2010 budget already seeing red
WENATCHEE — The city’s preliminary 2010 budget is already nearly $420,000 in the red, under pressure by its obligation to cover the Town Toyota Center events arena’s expected revenue shortfall. “Our work is cut out for us,” Mayor Dennis Johnson said after the City Council got its first look at ...
Published 10/9/2009
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New Town Toyota GM takes job, starts next week
WENATCHEE — Texan Mark Miller will start work next week as the new general manager of Town Toyota Center. Miller, 48, will be paid $95,000 a year, plus medical benefits, vacation, a travel allowance and moving expenses, said Allison Williams, the city’s executive services director.
Published 10/2/2009
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