Representatives of the Reds and Hamilton County met face-to-face Tuesday for the first time in more than two months, but several issues continue to block a memorandum of understanding on a new $235 million ballpark between Cinergy Field and The Crown.
The sides agree on the Baseball on Main site, also known as The Wedge.
"I saw nothing today that would make me think we've taken a step back," said County Commissioner Bob Bedinghaus. "But there are still important issues being discussed, and I'm sure there'll be more discussions in the future."
Mr. Bedinghaus wouldn't be specific, but a source close to the talks said there is disagreement over economic terms, such as the county's annual contribution to operation and maintenance, rent and the club's upfront contribution.
Tuesday's session is the first since the Reds' March 18 proposal jump-started the stalled talks. At that point, documents showed the county wanted to set its maintenance contribution at $500,000 per year. The Reds were looking for a clause that would increase that amount by 6 percent each year.
Other sticking points are rent and timing. In March, the Reds offered $2.5 million annually for the first eight years of a 30-year deal. The county wants the team to pay $2.5 million per year in rent for the first 10 years.
The county also wanted the Reds to make a $30 million contribution to the project before construction begins. The Reds offered $30 million, but haven't offered to pay it up front.
A feasibility study of the site is still needed, but the Reds probably won't continue to demand a clause that would allow them to walk away from a deal if they don't like the study's results.
Because a memorandum of understanding is non-binding, the county figures the Reds simply won't continue lease negotiations if they don't like the results.
The county warned in March that the Wedge site was "the most difficult option" and suggested the team consider a ballpark at Broadway Commons or a transformed Cinergy Field.
Construction on the Wedge site can't start until 2000, pushing the opening to sometime in 2002 or 2003.
Publicly, Reds managing executive John Allen has never backed off a new park on the river, even though the Reds need an immediate financial infusion that a new ballpark could bring.
The club declined to comment on Tuesday's negotiations.
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