Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers concerned Brewers will leave Milwaukee

"We have to make sure the Brewers don't leave Milwaukee," said Evers

"We have to make sure the Brewers don't leave Milwaukee," said Evers

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"We have to make sure the Brewers don't leave Milwaukee," said Evers

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's visit to American Family Field Thursday highlighted the looming fight over hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer money for renovations to the 22-year-old publicly-owned stadium.

"It needs to be done in a timely way," Manfred said. "So that the ballpark is well maintained for the benefit of the fans and moving on to a long-term extension to make sure the Brewers stay in Milwaukee."

Manfred's comments are leading to concern that without the funding for renovations, the team could be moved.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers was asked by WISN 12 News reporter Nick Bohr whether he was more concerned or less concerned about the Brewers' future in Wisconsin after Manfred's visit.

"Well, I'm not less concerned. I would say I've been concerned as he has been," Evers said.

His comments come weeks after Republican leaders in the legislature shot down his plan to fund the renovations with a one-time payment from the state budget surplus.

"We have to make sure the Brewers don't leave Milwaukee, and yes, I'm as concerned as the leadership of baseball," Evers said.

A report commissioned by the Brewers detailed needed wear-and-tear renovations like rusted seat hardware, cracked concrete and heating systems showing their age. Other findings have to do with the roof itself, such as "the flexible membrane gaskets between the roof panels is badly cracked and deteriorated."

It all adds up to a roughly $428 million price tag. Having rejected the governor's plan to use some of the state surplus to take care of the renovations, the attention now turns to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos for his ideas on how to keep the Brewers in Milwaukee. Vos didn't respond to a request for comment Friday, but earlier in the month at an appearance before the Milwaukee Press Club, Vos said he’d want to see contributions from the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County be included in any funding package.

"Just like we would for any project that has a huge economic impact, there needs to be local buy-in. It can't only be a state project," Vos said.

The governor said the ball is in Vos’ court.

"We're waiting. They said they had something up their sleeve. We'll see what it is, but with this $7 billion left in our budget right now as surplus, we should be able to do this," Evers said.