Centerville leaders voice concern over conference center expansion

"Frankly, we fail to see how a facility that will primarily be patronized by local residents, spending money that is already here in the county, would result in a greater economic impact than creating a facility that would attract more out of area visitors who would bring new money to hotels, restaurants and shopping in the area," the commissioners wrote.

In response to the Forbes article, the commissioners cited their own feasibility study, completed earlier this year, which showed a "healthy meetings market in our area, with significant potential for increasing our market share."

"According to our feasibility study and the study's author, while conference demand dropped in 2005, it has picked up again in recent months.

"Also, the Forbes study cites data on a nationwide basis — conditions vary by region," commissioners stated.

County officials, when contacted Wednesday, said that Centerville did not talk to them before stating their opposition.

"We wish the Centerville council and mayor had asked us about those things before they went public with their concerns," said Wilf Sommerkorn, director of Davis County Community and Economic Development.

Sommerkorn said the Centerville leaders might not agree completely with the county, "but at least they would have had the perspective and would have known the background about why we're moving the direction we are."

In the commissioners' letter, they invited the Centerville City Council members, and all others who may be interested, to meet with them to discuss questions, concerns and details.

"We would be happy to share the information we have," they stated.

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