The city of Indianapolis is considering taking over Conseco Fieldhouse just a few days after Pacers officials said the city could risk losing the team.

The $15.4 million in operating costs for the arena would likely be paid using tax dollars.

Paul Okeson said the city is "seriously thinking about" taking over the operation from the Pacers.

Okeson is handling the negotiations as a member of the Capital Improvement Board, which oversees the city's sports venues.

"If they leave, it's going to cost us roughly $15 million to run this place, and that doesn't include the losses that come along with them going," Okeson said. "In no way is it giving money to the team."