The Jefferson City Council has rejected both conference center proposals after more than one hour of debate Monday night.
The council voted 9-1 to reject both proposals, with 4th Ward Councilwoman Carrie Tergin casting the sole no vote.
"The time to walk away is now," said 2nd Ward Councilman Shawn Schulte.
The proposal from Jefferson City-based Farmer Holding Co. included a 61,000-square-foot conference center to be located within the Capital Mall, with a 127-room hotel attached and a total conference center cost of roughly $14 million. The hotel itself would have cost just under $14 million.
The proposal from Hannibal-based Ehrhardt Hospitality Group included a nearly 45,000-square-foot conference center in the 300 block of West McCarty Street, with a 150-room hotel attached. The conference center would have cost $13.8 million and the hotel itself would have cost $15 million.
Look for more details in Tuesday's News Tribune.