The Emporia Recreation Center (ERC) Steering Committee, tasked with working on a proposed $46 million new recreation facility, has paused any meetings until November 20.

The Committee also moved against a special election set for March of 2026, for a half-percent sales tax increase that would have partially funded the project. The special election was initially put on pause in December to address the Tyson plant and Holiday resort closures.

During the June 17 Steering Committee meeting, members approved moving forward with a March 2026 special election. According to Trey Cocking, Emporia City Manager and Ex-Officio Steering Committee member, the Steering Committee may now move the sales tax question to the 2026 General Election to reduce costs associated with a special election and hear

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