There are implications and ramifications of the cost to taxpayers of the downtown Lancaster convention center.
First of all, look at the revenue portion of the “hotel tax” which goes to the convention center, both for debt service and operational losses (something well over $3 million annually).
Compare that to the amount of revenue brought in annually by the convention center (something around $1.6 million.)
The hotel is not a part of this equation, since its State subsidy is a separate issue, and NONE of its revenue benefits taxpayers.
Of course, the convention center has not provided benefits to taxpayers of anywhere near the difference between these two figures. Nor can it be expected to at any time in the future.
