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

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

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

David Samson/The Forum

The ballot measure needed to get the support of 60 percent of voters, but preliminary election results show a likely defeat, with 52 percent against and 48 percent in favor, with more than 49,000 votes counted, which may not include all mail-in results.

That sales tax would have funded $110 million of the project. In addition, the Fargodome planned to contribute $30 million of its savings to the $140 million project.

Fargo Dome Authority President Dave Suppes, Fargodome Director Rob Sobolik and Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney are hosting a news conference at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday morning to discuss the outcome of the vote and next steps.

Also on the November ballot was a separate measure promoted by Visit Fargo-Moorhead that asked voters to greenlight the

building a large-scale convention center funded by raising the city’s hotel tax from 3% to 6%.

The lodging tax measure needed a simple majority, or more than 50 percent, of voters for approval.

On Tuesday, voters wavered over the decision, but as of 10:45 p.m., primary election results showed 52 percent in favor and 48 percent against, with more than 49,000 votes counted, which may not include all mail-in results. .

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

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

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 help pay for the construction and operation of a $40 million convention center, which could have 75,000 to 100,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, as well as a attached hotel or hotels with $140 million. 200 rooms.

This is the second round for both ballot measures.

During last December’s special election, the proposals were bundled.

That measure

failed, with just under 52% of voters approving it.

Both pairs had to pass with a margin of 60%.

Following this vote, the two bills separated and pursued independent ballot measures on the November ballot this year.

Reporter working the night shift . We cover Fargo City Government, Cass County Government and the populations served in the area.