Editorial: Consider fee hike impact on locals

Thursday, June 11, 1998 | 10:33 a.m.

THE Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's board was right to postpone a decision about raising rental rates at the convention center and Cashman Field.

Staff recommended that the following rates be raised:

Convention center exhibit hall rates for trade shows would be increased from 15 to 20 cents per square foot daily, and meeting room rates from $105 to $250 per day. For public events, exhibit hall rates would go from 5 to 20 cents per square foot, and minimum rates for use of an exhibit hall from $1,500 to $4,500.

The Cashman Stadium rental rate would go from $2,250 to $3,000 per day; the rate for Cashman Theatre would go from $1,500 to $2,000 daily.

According to the LVCVA, the new rates would still be lower than other Western cities.

Board member Mary Kincaid expressed concern about how the increase would affect nonprofit and community groups that use these facilities. She suggested that the vote be delayed until the impact on the groups could be studied.

Las Vegas' convention facilities attract groups from around the world. Serving their needs benefits our tourist-based economy. But we're also a community with local needs. These local groups shouldn't drive the price of convention facilities, but we concur that their needs should at least be considered before any increase is approved.