FARGO — Voters weighed in on two ballot measures that sought to impact both the city’s sales tax rate and the cost of a hotel room in Fargo.

While prospects for a 20-year quarter-cent sales tax to fund renovations to the Fargodome — an event center at 1800 N. University Drive — seemed bleak, the new lodging tax proposed to fund a convention center was still too close to call a few hours after the polls closed on Tuesday, November 5.

Supporters of the sales tax for the Fargodome have sought to upgrade the building, add more accessible seating, build additional restrooms and improve circulation by expanding and offering additional concession options.

David Samson/The Forum

The ballot measure was expected to have the support of 60% of voters, but preliminary election results show a likely defeat with 52% opposed and 48% in favor with more than 49,000 votes counted, which may not contain all results returned by mail.

That sales tax would have funded $110 million of the project. Additionally, the Fargodome planned to put $30 million of its savings toward the $140 million project.

Fargo Dome Authority Chairman Dave Suppes, Fargodome Director Rob Sobolik and Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney are hosting a press conference at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning to discuss the outcome of the vote and next steps.

Also on the ballot in November was a separate measure promoted by Visit Fargo-Moorhead, which asked voters for the green light to vote.

build a large-scale convention center financed by increasing the city’s hotel tax from 3% to 6%.

The lodging tax measure required a simple majority, or more than 50 percent, of voters to pass.

On Tuesday, voters wavered over the decision but, as of 10:45 p.m., preliminary election results showed 52% for and 48% against, with more than 49,000 votes counted, which may not contain all the results returned by mail.

If passed, this additional tax would be in effect for 25 years and raise approximately $3 million per year.

“We feel pretty good. If it passes, that’s a good thing for Fargo…if the vote holds and the measure passes, then the hard work begins,” said Charley Johnson, president and CEO of Visit Fargo-Moorhead.

With voter approval, the city of Fargo will begin planning for the new convention center.

Funds raised by doubling the lodging tax would be used to finance the construction and operation of a $40 million convention center that could have between 75,000 and 100,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space , as well as one or more adjoining hotels for 140 to 140 people. 200 rooms.

This is the second round of voting for these two ballot measures.

During a special election last December, the proposals were grouped together.

This measure

failed with just under 52% of voters approving it.

The two men were both expected to pass by a margin of 60%.

Following that vote, the two projects split and pursued independent ballot measures on this year’s November ballot.

Journalist working night shift . I cover Fargo city government, Cass County government and the region’s underserved populations.