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FAIRFIELD, IOWA -- The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center (FACC) continues to look into ways of getting out of the red.

On Monday, Jefferson County supervisors voted 2-1 against a public vote allocating county sales tax for the center.  The FACC board will not petition the county's decision. 

Instead, the board will focus on raising public awareness of the center's needs.

“We feel that this is an opportunity to focus our energies and our efforts on our fundraising on the private side,” said Rustin Lippincott.  “[We’re] really getting out to the voters of the city the importance of the convention center.”

In May, the city of Fairfield will vote on a public/private funding of the center using revenue from city sales tax.  The board will push for a vote of "yes" on the special ballot. 

“We are confident in our programming and very confident in our operations and our business plan.  That will show us and show the community that this center can operate once the debt is removed.”

Lippincott added that the center has a very committed group of donors that work to help fund the convention center. 

“The community has consistently stepped up to the plate to show their support to show the importance that they feel that this center has.”