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Council debates 40-year IGA for Hushton Park as charter school gains priority use
Summary
Council members raised concerns about a proposed 40-year intergovernmental agreement granting priority use to a charter school at Hushton Park; staff said county and the town of Braselton plan improvements and favor a longer term to justify investment, while some council members said the long term shifts rights away from the city.
Hoschton — Council members discussed a proposed 40‑year intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for Hushton Park that would preserve public access while giving a charter school priority use of facilities on school days.
One council member expressed concern about the length of the term. “I am still struggling with this. I don't see how it benefits the city of Hoshton to take the existing agreement that is good through July 20, 2029 and replace it with a 40‑year agreement,” the council member said, adding that the city will not receive lease revenue and that priority use appears to favor the school.
City staff replied that the county and the Town of Braselton are seeking a longer term because they plan to invest in improvements to the property so upgrades such as new turf and field work can be justified. Staff said the county has already approved the IGA and attorneys for the county and Braselton have reviewed the agreement.
Another council member noted the school’s priority would be limited to school hours and that the public would retain use on evenings and weekends. Staff also said previously included language about the agreement being “subject to change” was removed; the county and Braselton have discussed funding for improvements.
Council did not adopt the IGA at the meeting. The discussion captured conflicting views about whether the city benefits from a long-term agreement that grants priority use to a charter school while enabling improvements funded or supported by county and town partners.
