The Cobb County Board of Ethics on Wednesday set an April 23 hearing date to review the complaint filed against four county commissioners in relation to their votes in favor a the $300 million public commitment toward building a new Atlanta Braves stadium.
At the hearing, the ethics board will review the complaint and the county’s response to it. It will then determine whether to dismiss the complaint, or schedule a second hearing at which the board will hear testimony and consider evidence.
The complaint, filed by Larry Savage against Commission Chairman Tim Lee, and district commissioners Bob Ott, Helen Goreham and JoAnn Birrell, alleges the the commissioners acted unethically by violating their oaths of office, and by failing to comply with federal and state law.
Commissioner Lisa Cupid was not named because she voted against a preliminary agreement with the Braves, and against the creation of a special taxing district with is necessary to pay the public debt.
Cobb County Attorney Deborah Dance responded to the complaint on behalf of commissioners.
“Savage’s complaint is unfounded, is based on mere allegations and non-legal assertions as opposed to evidence,” the commissioner’s response says.
Also Wednesday, Ethics Board attorney Lynn Rainey recused himself from the case because he also represents the Cumberland Community Improvement District, which is part of the financing structure for the stadium debt; and commission board member Robert Johnson recused himself because he is related to Dance.
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