“America’s Team” is now on the verge of being “Cobb’s Team.” And Cobb will be home not just to The Atlanta Braves, but to the team’s new stadium.
Based on what is known at the moment, it clearly has the potential to be a great deal for Cobb.
That hinges, however, on the release of the financial details behind the move, and specifically what the impact will be on Cobb taxpayers. Chairman Lee has played it close to the vest and has declined to say whether property or sales taxes would be increased. Once the euphoria of the Braves announcement wears off, he might find those such increases a tough sell to county residents, if they aren’t already.
On the other hand, if most or all of Cobb’s share of the deal is to be paid for via the hotel/motel tax or via a revenue bond issue by the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, Lee likely will find the going easier. Revenue bonds could be paid off with funds generated by the stadium complex, although county taxpayers could still be responsible for making up the difference if stadium or other revenues fall short. It’s the same funding mechanism the Authority used to pay for construction of the $47 million Cobb Galleria Centre convention hall nearly two decades ago.
That said, Lee, the commission and the Exhibit Hall Authority should not let themselves be blinded by the excitement of the moment. Big-league sports teams are notorious for playing one community against another in order to benefit themselves. And there’s no guarantee that even if the Braves move here is finalized, that the Braves won’t start playing hardball against Cobb for a better deal later on.
With that in mind, Lee and the Commission need to negotiate the strongest deal possible up front in order to protect Cobb taxpayers of today and tomorrow.
Only then will a majority of Cobb residents be comfortable saying “Play ball!”
via The Marietta Daily Journal – Play Ball But first push for strongest possible deal for taxpayers.
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