Ken Hagan

Local government support for the Rays' ballpark was fragile before the tax measure went on the November ballot. Now, the Tampa Sports Authority is writing a letter to state its priority: Raymond James Stadium.

Terms include the sports authority receiving some revenue from non-USF events. TSA would also be positioned for greater involvement in the Fowler corridor, including the planned MOSI Fieldhouse.

City negotiations with the team and the county have been handled by officials on the mayor's staff. But some council members have expressed frustration with having to vote on a deal without having a seat at the table.

The tentative agreement, finalized last week by the team, county and city, details financing for the $2.3 billion indoor stadium that would anchor a multiuse development in Drew Park.

On "Florida Matters Live & Local," Joshua Wostal explains his skepticism of the plan, how it's being presented, promises that taxpayers won't be exposed and the team's transparency.

If commissioners approve the non-binding memorandum of understanding, the city council will vote on its part of the financing the following day.

Mayor Jane Castor says she expects the city council and county commission to pass the non-binding agreement, allowing negotiators to fill in the blanks on multiple documents in the complex deal.

The non-binding memorandum of understanding drops the public money involved to $976 million. The deal must be voted on next week by the Hillsborough County Commission and Tampa City Council.

The billionaire attorney calls Rays managing partner Patrick Zalupski a friend with whom he's had regular contact. The Rays, however, have an agreement to negotiate stadium plans only with Tampa and Hillsborough.

Commissioner Ken Hagan tells WDAE existing restricted revenues can fund most of the county's share, but critics of the plan say taxpayers are still exposed through reserves and emergency dollars.

The county commission also received the requested outside legal opinion on whether it could use the Community Investment Tax to help fund the stadium.

The proposal comes after weeks of negotiations with local officials but has not been vetted by public boards. It lays out ambitious economic projections to recoup the upfront investment.