Richland voters have let the curtain fall on paying for the Tri-Cities’ first large dedicated performing arts facility with a sales tax increase.

Final results from the Feb. 11 special election showed 7,934 voters, or 60.6%, rejecting Richland Public Facilities District’s Proposition 1, which would have implemented a sales tax to pay for the facility. Turnout for the election was about 30%, with 15,700 ballots counted. The election was certified Feb. 21.

The rejection comes despite a poll of Richland residents conducted by a third party finding majority support for the facility and a proposed ballot measure to fund it. The poll was conducted on behalf of the performing arts center’s boosters.

The Arts Center Task Force said in an email to supporters the day after the election that the results were not what was hoped for but that its campaign would continue.

“This is not the end – rather an opportunity to reevaluate and adjust our efforts. We will regroup, strategize and continue working toward a future where the performing arts have a home in the Tri-Cities,” the email stated.

The Richland PFD’s board of directors unanimously approved putting the measure on the special election ballot. It asked Richland voters for a two-tenths of a percent sales tax increase for 30 years to provide the bulk of the funding for the estimated $81 million project. The tax would have added 2 cents onto a $10 purchase. 

The ballot measure was intended to be the culmination of more than a decade of advocacy by the Arts Center Task Force. The proposed facility would have included a main theater with seating for about 800 people, a 2,500-square-foot community space, gallery, offices, kitchen and support spaces for performance groups. It was tentatively set to be built in Columbia Park West near the Reach Museum.

Currently, the region’s largest performing arts facilities are attached to schools, which limits their accessibility for regional performing arts groups. There’s also limited options for larger touring acts to perform.

About two dozen arts organizations were partners or supporters of the arts center proposal. Four civic organizations – Richland Chamber of Commerce, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC) and Visit Tri-Cities – formally endorsed it.

Voters also rejected levy proposals from the Finley and Kiona-Benton City school districts in the special election.