INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers President Larry Bird said Tuesday he's hopeful a solution will be found to keep the team in Indianapolis, despite a mounting deficit.

The organization informed the city on Monday that it lost $30 million this year and can no longer afford to pay the $15 million to operate Conseco Fieldhouse, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

The team is asking the Indianapolis Capital Improvement Board to take over operations at the facility in an effort to protect the health of the downtown economy.

"It's important that everyone understands the Pacers can't participate any more financially," CIB Vice President Pat Early said at a meeting Monday. "They are already participating with millions of dollars every year. We are going to have to find a solution."

Bird told reporters on Tuesday that he is hopeful something can be worked out to keep the team in town.

"I know the commitment from the Simons is to keep the team here. They tell me that every time I see them," he said. "They are committed to this community and this team. Hopefully things will work out."

The Pacers have lost money 26 out of the 28 the Simon family has owned the team and have suffered from lagging attendance and off-court troubles in recent years. The franchise's reputation began to decline with the brawl between Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans in 2004, and it hasn't recovered despite a rebuilding of the team.

Some fans said the Pacers put themselves in this position.

"I think it's nonsense. I think if they had managed that team back when they had all the thugs on it, and managed it properly to start with instead of trying to get them off the hook when they got in trouble, they wouldn't be in the mess they're in," said Steve Stalnaker.

Others, like Early, said the city has a responsibility to help the team.

"I want to do whatever they can do to keep them here," said Keith Hancock. "That sounds dire, dire circumstances. It seems like they are spinning it that way to do it. I'm in favor of doing whatever if it keeps them here."

Board members on Monday voted in favor of more than $1 million in cuts as they face down a $38 million budget deficit, including huge operating shortfalls from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Last week, the CIB proposed raising the hotel, food and beverage taxes by 1 percent each in an effort to cover the deficit. The plan will be presented to the Legislature.