Brunswick Co. balks at price of stadium construction

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Brunswick County officials announced Thursday that the expected cost of a new baseball stadium “may not be prudent for the County to take on at this time.”

In a news release, the county says that, while it is in a strong financial position, the debt needed to fund the stadium construction could exceed $100 million.

“We still believe this proposed project has great merit and could potentially provide the desired entertainment, shopping and dining options our residents have asked for over the years,” Chairman Randy Thompson said. “While Brunswick County has decided to not take on debt to finance this particular project, our staff continue to work with all parties involved to find other ways to fund this concept.”

The county expressed commitment to not using existing county funds, raising property taxes or a general obligation bond via a voter referendum to pay for the stadium.

“We don’t believe in putting something on the constituency as a whole, especially if they are not going to have the opportunity to use it,” said Commissioner Marty Cooke. “And I would submit that, so much as a lot of the area of the county on the south end of the county or the western end of the county is in very close proximity to Horry County. They might go to that stadium down there if they wanted to go to a ballgame.”

The initial proposal was for the county to construct and own the stadium along with any debt issuance associated with the stadium construction. Then the county would lease the stadium to REV Entertainment.

“I don’t see the county underwriting in any respect,” said Cooke. “I mean, I just don’t see that as a reality. You know, we’re always supportive of the municipalities and anything that they tend to do, generally speaking, but as far as us underwriting that, I don’t see that as being something that will happen.”

A study led by the Town of Leland is underway to see if the economic impact and the new revenues made by the development would be sufficient to offset debt payments without using government funds.

“We are disappointed in the county’s current position,” said a spokesperson for the Town of Leland. “We will continue with the economic feasibility study to gain the full information and evaluate those results before making any further decisions.”

A spokesperson for REV Entertainment says the group is committed to bringing a baseball stadium and entertainment complex to Leland.

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