That was the message Tuesday from Centerville Mayor Ronald Russell to Davis County commissioners. He asked them once again to consider allotting $2 million in tourism taxes to the South Davis Performing Arts Center.

Russell and Bountiful Mayor Joe Johnson have committed $5 million each from their respective Recreation, Arts and Parks (RAP) taxes, and Centerville is donating 2.7 acres north of Parrish Lane.

"We can build something for $10 million," Russell said, adding that it wouldn't be the regional facility that the southern part of the county needs. He noted a 2003 county study that recommended regional performing-arts centers in north and south Davis County.

That money, he said, could fund a 500-seat main theater. However, it would lack the amenities of a performing-arts center, including a black-box theater for smaller productions and a recital hall. Officials hope to break ground next spring.

Commissioner Bret Millburn called the project worthwhile, but said he wants to go after private money as well. Earlier funding proposals - Centerville and Bountiful would each pitch in $5 million from RAP taxes and the county $5 million from tourism taxes - was "putting the whole onus on taxpayers."

Private donors have been sought, Russell said. Many are waiting for the county's commitment to confirm that the center will be a regional project, not a city one.

Commissioners pointed out that the county's tourism-tax dollars are dedicated to other projects, and the slow economy might not generate more. They directed their staff to study the funding possibilities and report back next week.

mariav@sltrib.com