GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A Brown County committee unanimously voted Monday night to not take a stance on a proposal that would change the ownership dynamic of Lambeau Field.
State Rep. David Steffen, a Republican from Howard who wants to abolish the stadium district for Lambeau Field, says he has no plans for his proposal to be voted on in Madison this year.
Another Republican lawmaker tells FOX 11 Steffen’s plan has zero support in Madison.
The Packers have already voiced their opposition to the plan as well.
In front of Brown County’s executive committee, Steffen and Packers Director of Public Affairs Aaron Popkey continued to debate the legality of dissolving the stadium district.
“I have attorneys I’ve worked with down in Madison that helped me with mine and I’m sure they did with all their reviews…or maybe not,” said Steffen.
Read Steffen’s legislation draft.
Steffen says he wants to get rid of the stadium district because it fulfills a promise made leading up to a 2000 referendum vote to have a half percent sales tax fund the renovation and upkeep of Lambeau Field. Steffen also says the district lacks transparency and he believes a new lease is being rushed.
Popkey says they’ve stayed true to referendum promises and the money collected through the sales tax and a ticket tax can only go toward Lambeau upkeep.
“The proposed legislation ignores all of that and doles out the sales tax money to select homeowners and other favored recipients. Disregarding the legislative and voter mandates, as well as the terms of the lease, the contract, is irresponsible and illegal.”
Last month, the Packers threatened legal action against the state and city of Green Bay if they go along with Steffen’s proposal.
The stadium district is governed by an appointed board of seven representatives from Brown County, Green Bay, and Ashwaubenon.
The Packers have a lease agreement for Lambeau with the stadium district and city of Green Bay that runs through 2033, with two-year extension options running through 2043.
In November, Steffen introduced his plan to dissolve the district and shift all responsibilities to Green Bay.
Under his plan, the district’s $81 million fund, built through sales tax revenue, to help refund the Packers for stadium maintenance would be liquidated. $700 checks would be sent to Brown County homeowners and millions more would be split between Brown County, Green Bay, Ashwaubenon, the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation.
Steffen claims the city would benefit taking over responsibilities of the lease, because he contends ticket tax revenue no longer has to be used to refund the Packers for maintenance after 2031. The Packers say the lease and legislation states the money can only be used on Lambeau Field.
So far, the city has shown no interest in Steffen’s proposal.
Brown County Supervisor Pat Evans is asking the county to oppose the plan through resolution.
“We should send this down to the legislature and the governor’s office and just say hey, no,” said Evans.
The executive committee decided to put Evans’ request on file, essentially taking no action.
“We’re now going to have discussion on what now at this point is basically the opinion of a single representative in the state of Wisconsin,” said John Van Dyke, a Brown County supervisor. This isn’t even a bill.
Steffen maintains his proposal is only a rough draft and could see changes before its formally introduced for potential hearings and votes in Madison.
The Packers say they have been in negotiations with the stadium district and city to update the current lease. They haven’t shared what updates could be coming.
Brown County’s full board of supervisors is expected to vote on this resolution later this month.
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