ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Dougherty County commissioners are being asked to approve nearly $27,000 for design planning on a proposed conference center behind the Albany Civic Center.

Why the Civic Center isn’t enough

Kasey Summerville, Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau president and CEO, says the Civic Center does not function as a conference venue.

“The Civic Center is a great facility. We’re so blessed to have it in the City of Albany, but as you know, it is more of an arena. It is not necessarily a conference center,” Summerville said.

Last year, 39 groups passed on bringing their conferences to Albany because officials say the Civic Center’s layout didn’t work for their events.

“We know how important the economic impact is when we have tourists, when we have groups and meetings in our city and they’re spending money in our city. So yes, we’re losing money by not even being able to even bid on certain meetings and certain groups,” Summerville said.

The proposed new event center would give Albany another space to compete for those conferences.

Funding split three ways

The Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is requesting $80,000 for master planning and concept design. The city, county, and CVB would split that cost three ways, with the county’s share coming to $26,666.67.

Commissioner points to economic impact

Commissioner Clinton Johnson says this investment could generate major revenue, noting 40% of the county’s tax dollars already come from tourism.

“So if we work to increase and double that number, it’ll work toward our sales tax. It’ll work toward our FLOST to help homeowners pay down or us roll back the millage rate for the entire community. So it supports everyone,” Johnson said.

The county commission is expected to vote on funding for the master planning and concept design for the conference center on Monday, Oct. 5.

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