SACRAMENTO, CA - Mayor Kevin Johnson suggests a regional approach might be the way to finance a new arena for the Kings, but elected officials in neighboring counties worry that's just another way of talking about a tax increase for their constituents.
"I'm totally in favor of regional cooperation," said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Rexroad. "My question is, how is it financed? I have a strong personal belief that it needs to be funded by the people who use the arena."
Rexroad's opinion was echoed by Sutter County Supervisor Stan Cleveland, who said he had already heard from voters in his district.
"They really do not want any of the taxpayers' funds going toward a new arena in Sacramento," Cleveland said.
At a jubilant news conference at Sacramento City Hall Monday announcing the Kings would remain in Sacramento at least another year, Johnson and several other speakers stressed the importance neighboring counties in any discussion of arena financing, but no one was ready to offer any specifics.
"Nothing is formed and there is no discussion yet," said Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO Matt Mahood in a text message to News10. "Too early. Today is a day to celebrate!"
by George Warren, GWarren@news10.net
News10/KXTV