Sunday, December 15, 2002
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Sunday, December 15, 2002 |
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Tennant opposes PTC mayor's call for development authority resignations By JOHN
MUNFORD
Peachtree City Councilman Dan Tennant has taken issue with Mayor Steve Brown's wishes that for the city's Development Authority members and its executive director resign from their posts. Tennant said that asking for resignations at this point was not helpful. He pointed out that the authority and council have essentially agreed to reduce the authority's hotel-motel tax funding in exchange for the city taking over the authorities $1.45 million in debt for improvements to the tennis center and amphitheater and some operating costs. "Now is not the time to be demanding resignations; rather, it is a time to work together to resolve conflict and do what is best for Peachtree City's families," Tennant said. In seeking the resignations, Brown claims the authority has been fiscally irresponsible with loans it has used to fund improvements and operation of the city's tennis center and amphitheater. Tennant added that he was concerned that the mayor requesting the resignations "could affect other citizens from volunteering for public service on a board or commission." The recent expansion that added six covered courts and an office building with a pro shop and restaurant to the tennis court ran $287,000 over budget, but most of the changes that caused that couldn't be avoided, said authority executive director Virgil Christian. Brown has said he wants the city to transfer operation of the tennis center and amphitheater to a new recreation authority so it could issue tax-free bonds to pay off the development authority's current debt. Tennant indicated that concept should be considered if it won't damage the development authority's synergy with the two venues. Tennant, who negotiated the new hotel-motel tax agreement with fellow councilman Murray Weed and several authority members, added that his "gut feeling" was the city would be better off with the existing development authority and its leadership intact. "To be effective, however, council must welcome and receive input from everyone, including members of the development authority, and its leadership," Tennant said. "My guess is that because we are all reasonable men and women, I am confident we will keep our collective minds open and make the right call." Tennant said he appreciated the authority's efforts to negotiate the new hotel-motel tax agreement. The negotiations took place over several months, and Tennant said he felt the agreement approved by council was fair, but the authority gave more concessions in the new deal than the city did. Tennant also supported authority executive director Virgil Christian. "In light of the current recession, Mr. Christian has done an admirable job in promoting development, and he was pivotal in Clayton State's decision to come to Peachtree City," Tennant said. "In addition, Virgil has managed two vital city venues under sometimes trying circumstances, and while we are all very disappointed in the substantial tennis center cost overruns, we must be mindful of the big picture, and be certain to have all the facts and the intent of anyone's actions before passing final judgment." The Citizen was unable to reach councilman Weed for comment by press time Thursday afternoon.
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