A plan to rebate $2.25 million of city hotel tax revenue to developers of a new hotel in downtown Wichita was rejected last week by 61% of voters.
Less than 14% of registered voters in the city actually cast ballots.
The rejected plan, which was approved earlier this year by the City Council, would have rebated 75% of the room tax generated at the 117-room boutique hotel to the developers for 15 years.
Proponents of the rebate plan reported they spent almost $300,000 on a media campaign.
Opponents of the plan said they spent approximately $30,000 to fight the proposal.
An opinion survey before the election funded by proponents found 55% of those expected to vote early were in favor.
The developer of the project, which is about 15% complete, said work would continue to convert an old bank building into a hotel.
The rebate was to provide 10% of the funding for the $23 million conversion effort.