"They call it an albatross. A mistake. Worst decision ever.

These are some of the ways Minneapolis leaders describe the bailout of Target Center in 1995.

Minneapolis owes roughly $55 million from its purchase of the arena. But the home of the Timberwolves -- which is managed privately -- also has taken annual operating subsidies of about $1.6 million from the city. New figures released last week predict that the city will have to spend more than $32 million over the next decade to keep Target Center up to date.

Now Mayor R.T. Rybak's push to subsidize a new Vikings stadium in a deal that also renovates Target Center and retires its debt has highlighted how the arena has become the bane of the budget.

Rybak sounded another call for action Wednesday, e-mailing supporters that without it, city taxpayers could end up with a "raw deal.""