The experts within County Financial services and their outside consultants have deemed Propellers bid inadequate both operationally and financially. Requesting it be placed on the November ballot is just as dumb now as it was when the opposition was whining for a vote of the people. This is a constitutional republic and the BOC did their job and exercised due diligence before coming to their vote this Tuesday. I recommend Charlotte for her leadership and especially Mike Beaudreau who did the absolute right thing for Gwinnett in spite of all the emotion on both sides of the issue

Additional potential issues with the Proposal:
The County would not see any direct revenue based on the Proposal for 4 years
(paid in arrears beginning after 3 years).

The “minimum gross revenue sharing guarantee” of $500,000 is approximately one half of the current Airport revenue, excluding ad valorem taxes from based aircraft many of which may be displaced due to improvements.

In addition, this minimum guarantee remains at $500,000 per year throughout the remaining 46 years of the proposed lease and is not adjusted to account for inflation.
The forecasted Sales Tax revenue to the County calculates to 2%. The direct
revenue benefit to Gwinnett County Government would only be 1%.

Further it appears to make the assumption that SPLOST Programs would be in place for the entire 50 year lease term.

The County would be expected to waive ad valorem taxes on any buildings, grounds or airport work vehicles and equipment owned or acquired by Propeller.

http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/plan-for-second-metro-1450912.html

“I think it would give us the ability to attract even more high-level professionals and companies to the area,” said Raymond Cobb, a former board member of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Gwinnett County Planning Commission. “If [the proposal] falls apart, we’ll have to think about another way to do the same thing.”

All this for a proposal that ranks 51 out of 100...

It would have needed a 90+ out of 100 for me to support it.

Hopefully now the Airport authority can address the complaints I heard about the Airport in 2010; late night engine testing, landings and take offs at 2 AM. Just because the privatization question will be settled doesn’t mean there are no more issues with the Airport. I would hope the anti-privatization group will stay engaged in the process and work to make the airport better for all of us.

Should I hear a jet aircraft exiting Gwinnett County Airport Briscoe Field Tuesday afternoon, June 5, 2012, I trust the Propeller Investments and FGF folks will be on it.

If the measure is put on the ballot it should read "Should the County Close Briscoe Field"; it doesn't make the county money (why they considered privatizing); according to the reports the privatizing will cost the county money with little return; the resident communities most affected by the plan are vocally against it; the issue keeps coming up every few years and there is so much money involved (mostly taxpayer) it creates opportunities for corruption!!! If the folks at Fly Gwinnett want it on the ballot then I think the anti-privatization folks need to get the airport shutdown referendum also on ballot.

Tim- my point is that it makes little sense to create a referendum since there is an equally vocal opposition to the project. There will continue to be development around the airport and along 316; in Dacula and so the opposition will continue to grow in numbers. If they were to get their 10 gates then they would want to expand and there would be opposition to that.... I guess then they would want another referendum--- its crazy. These folks have done little in the PR department to get local support... how uncaring as managers would they be??????

Since it was No to vote by taxpayers i think it should stay No ! No hail marys !

I don't trust the BOC any further than I can throw them. With all the scandal, accusations, resignations and conflicts of interest, why not put it to the people to put this to bed permanently?

If you study the proposal by the only bidder for the airport, you will understand why the county staff advises denial of the bid. This "deal" would have been very bad economically for the county. This issue should be stopped here and now. The taint of the Commissioner involved in the lastest scandal and with all that has gone on for two years, this issue should be dead.

You might as well get ready for round 3 because it will be here very shortly , my prediction .

Tim , I think we will see another attempt at this in a shorter span than the previous ,say 2-5 years . I find it hard to believe that this is Game over . This is only what i feel and round 3 would be the third attempt in the commercialization of the airport.

@ Tim I believe this may further define the round 3 statement

http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/plan-for-second-metro-1450912.html
Plan for second metro commercial airport likely grounded

Local airport advocacy group Fly Gwinnett Forward said it will push commissioners to consider an airport referendum in November.

"Commissioner Lasseter's troubles have greatly affected the credibility of the commission to vote on this issue, pro or con," said Mike Royal of Fly Gwinnett Forward. "That’s why the best way to resolve it is to put it on the ballot."

And Now

“I think it would give us the ability to attract even more high-level professionals and companies to the area,” said Raymond Cobb, a former board member of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and Gwinnett County Planning Commission. “If [the proposal] falls apart, we’ll have to think about another way to do the same thing.”

Marta will be voted in one day , Liquor tried many times then was in , the airport can and will follow this pattern . Adult stores and strip clubs will be plentiful in time also. all in the name of commerce and convenience .

Tim...of couse there would be people who would vote for the Airport. These would be the Johnny come lately's that have only just heard of this issue because of ignorance. I say ignorance because they would have ignored 2 years of facts for ease of travel. They would also be the first to complain when their taxes go through the roof when the airport failed and we end up on the hook to pay for this nonsense.

In otherwords....typical Gwinnett County non voters!!

The idea of a referendum vote on commercialization reminds me of this quote:

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!"
Benjamin Franklin