Under a decades-old lease with Gateway, taxpayers are on the hook for repairs at Rocket Arena and Progressive Field.
Last December, Cleveland and Cuyahoga County both agreed to spend $20 million in long-accumulated Gateway debts — not that either has money to burn. The county had to borrow $14 million for its share and is still struggling to pay off that debt.
Cleveland paid the bill, too. But Mayor Justin Bibb proposed a special financing district to help cover the repair costs in the future. To spread the cost among fans who attend Guardians, Cavs and Monsters games, as well as concerts and other events, a special taxing district would charge small fees on things like parking, food and drinks at businesses near the ballfield and arena…