Corroon expects all Real data by Friday

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon should have all the information he needs to make a decision on whether to invest $30 million in a Sandy soccer stadium for Real Salt Lake by Friday.

Then, Corroon says, he'll make a decision "within a week." Corroon will give his verdict to the County Council, which will then vote on whether to approve county funds for the stadium.

Corroon had hoped for a recommendation from the county's Debt Review Committee on Monday, but the committee said it needed more time to evaluate Real Salt Lake's complicated business model.

Members of the committee will meet in private throughout the week, and their work will culminate with a meeting Friday to give Corroon the final word.

"We could be here late Friday night, but we'll get it done," said Larry Richardson, chairman of the Debt Review Committee.

Richardson is scheduled to give the County Council an update today on the committee's progress in evaluating the deal. Real Salt Lake is asking for $30 million in hotel-tax revenue from the county and $15 million in redevelopment-agency dollars from Sandy.

Corroon is anxious to get moving — especially since the Legislature is threatening the county with several damaging bills if the stadium deal doesn't go through.

"If the soccer thing gets resolved, that will help us at the Legislature," Corroon said Monday.

One rumored bill would redirect restaurant-tax revenues to cities. Salt Lake County uses the money to pay the debt service on bonds for the Salt Palace and South Towne Exposition Center, as well as operating costs at those facilities and several county arts and recreation centers.

Another bill would take away the county's option to give hotel taxes to the team to build the stadium. House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, instead wants to use that money to fund a TRAX line to the Salt Lake City International Airport or an expansion at the Hogle Zoo.

To both state and local leaders who have criticized the county for "dragging its feet" in the stadium deal, Corroon said, "I want to make a decision and make it quickly, but I don't want to make it without the facts."

He should have the facts by Friday. Corroon had asked the Debt Review Committee to determine if Real Salt Lake is a worthy business in which to invest public dollars.