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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