Cobb deal on Braves relocation up for Nov. 26 vote; Reed to… | Political Insider | www.ajc.com

The big question of the afternoon is how Cobb County intends to pay for luring the Atlanta Braves out of Turner Field.

Right now, Cobb County Commission Chairman Tim Lee is staying mum. He wouldn’t even confirm what is pretty well known — that the county’s share for the $672 million project will be in the neighborhood of $450 million. The financial package won’t be finalized for another week or so.

But in the 10 minutes allotted us, he threw out a few hints.

The big one: A memorandum of understanding with the Braves is scheduled for presentation to the Cobb County Commission on Nov. 26, at which time the financing package would receive final approval.

Commission-level approval tells you something very important: No countywide referendum is involved, which means no new tax would be levied. So an existing tax would have to be increased — but one that does not raise taxes for most voters going into an election year.

So you have to wonder about the current state of Cobb County’s hotel-motel tax. If you’re Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, that would be highly ironic, given his struggles with the Falcons stadium.

Lee said the Braves deal first raised its head this summer, when — with an introduction from state Rep. Earl Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs — Lee was invited to lunch with a team executive. (No name given.)

After the meeting, Lee had the county’s economic development team point the Braves to some recommended sites — including the one they ultimately chose. The deal didn’t build a head of steam until four to six weeks ago.

Unlike many involved in the negotiations, Lee said he was not required to sign a confidentiality agreement. “But it was very clear, if any word leaked out, the deal was off,” he said.

via Cobb deal on Braves relocation up for Nov. 26 vote; Reed to… | Political Insider | www.ajc.com.