Guilford County, NC -- Local organizers with the US Figure Skating Championships asked the Guilford County Commissioners for extra money, $26,000 for emergency services for the event.

The event is nine days away, and organizers say it will be the largest event held in the Greensboro Coliseum's history -- to date. But the commissioners had very different opinions. Commissioner Bill Bencini said, "In an economic environment so dire where this board is actively considering delaying voter approved school bond projects, its difficult to rationalize spending [...] taxpayer money to sponsor a sports/entertainment event." Commissioner Billy Yow echoed that statement, citing the county's tight budget, and the fact that they haven't been able to give county employees raises in two years.

But Commissioner Carolyn Coleman was one of the voices who disagreed. "This means heads on beds, and this means meals that people will purchase as they're here in the city, other entertainment that they may attend,while they bring their families and so it does bring money into the community."

After a close vote, Chair of the Board of the Commissioners announced the result. "Fails 5-5. Sorry. Much success anyway."

Local event director Hill Carrow says the show will still go on.
Henri Fourrier, with the Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the figure skating championship will have to pay for EMS services themselves and hope they come out in the black by making more money with sponsorships and ticket sales.