Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune would like to buy three months' time so local political and business leaders can find cash to plug the holes in the $198 million plan to expand the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center.

        The expansion has been in doubt since Delta Air Lines announced it would not buy the naming rights, prompting Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken to say he would “mothball” the project in favor of a renovation.

        The cornerstone of Mr. Portune's plan involves Hamilton County raising its hotel bed tax from 3 percent to 6.5 percent — a move that would raise about $6.5 million per year. Commissioners have only until Sept. 30 to raise the tax.

        Mr. Portune said Wednesday that he would delay implementing the tax until Jan. 1. Even then, the higher tax would only take effect if all the other money in the financing plan is accounted for. That includes:

        Finding a replacement corporation to buy naming rights, for at least $15 million.

        Corporate contributions of $16 million, promised but as of yet unaccounted for.

        A state contribution of $20 million for its capital appropriations budget.

        A contribution from the Convention and Visitors Bureau of $10 million over 10 years.

        Members of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association have endorsed Mr. Portune's idea, and so has the Greater Cincinnati Lodging Council — an important vote of confidence since many of its 36 Hamilton County members are from the suburbs and are hoteliers who opposed the original funding proposal, unveiled by Mr. Portune and Mr. Luken in January.

        But commissioners first need to know from the county prosecutor's office whether it is legal to delay the tax.

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