Wednesday, July 30, 2003
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Wednesday, July 30, 2003 |
PTC Council, DAPC hope to iron out issuesBy J. FRANK
LYNCH
Things are looking up for the Peachtree City Development Authority, Mayor Steve Brown admits. "The Tennis Center has gone from just over $150,000 in red ink to $41,000 in less than a year," Brown said. "That's their projected negative balance for the end of the year." Still, Brown -- a near-constant critic of the authority's business tactics since taking office nearly two years ago -- doesn't see an end to the conflict anytime soon, particularly when it comes to finding the most efficient way to get rid of the authority's estimated $2.5 million in long-term debt. That will likely be the main topic when councilmembers and the board sit down casually on Thursday, to iron out their problems, and some long-range solutions. The joint meeting is set for 7 p.m. in Council Chambers at City hall. "Hopefully this is the culmination of a lot of talking that's been going on between the authority and the city council," said Tate Godfrey, DAPC Chairman. "We've got a lot of issues outstanding, not the least of which is our debt status. We're going to talk about how to get rid of that and set the authority in the director to go forward" Godfrey said subcommittes within the DAPC recently addressed individual areas to fix, but with the city's help in many cases. For example, a line of credit through Regions Bank is ripe for refinancing, which could save thousands of dollars in interest payments. But the council must give it approval, first. "We really need to get to the point where we're all on board." he said. Brown said he's proud of the progress. "If anything, I think my putting the pressure on them to develop a system and create a more business-like atmosphere has really helped," the mayor said. "I just wish they'd come out and say, 'Hey, we did some things, it just didn't come out the right way." In recent years, the Development Authority has turned its primary focus to management of the city's two largest public venues, the Fred Brown Jr. Amphitheater and the Peachtree City Tennis Center, and spent less and less time actually pursuing economic development opportunities for the city. "I still don't achieve the goal that I sought in the first place, which is how do I get a group that does nothing but economic development?" said Brown. Meanwhile, Godfrey said the authority's newest member appears to be well-qualified and anxious to hit the ground running. Originally recommended as an alternate, Bill Bexley was named to the vacant seat by city council following a heated debate on July 17 that saw the lead nominee withdraw his name. "I met Bill for the first time at our meeting Monday night and was very impressed," Godfrey said. "He seemed very thoughtful, he wants to get in there and learn. I was encouraged by his whole demeanor. I think it was a great meeting."
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