The Walker County Development Authority on Tuesday balked at approving a lease of Mountain Cove Farm to a private group.
The issue was put off until a meeting on Dec. 13.
Lea Kapherr, who was representinging The Cove Resorts, LLC, was asked to present more information about her company and its financial background. She agreed to do so.
There were also questions about the amount of the lease. Chairman Robert Wardlaw said he estimated the value of the farm at McLemore's Cove to be around $6 million. He said the lease payment would only be one-half of one percent of the value.
He said he did not feel comfortable proceeding at that price. He also said on a personal concern that "it's not right" to proceed without involving the new administration.
Longtime sole Commissioner Bebe Heiskell, who was at the meeting supporting the proposal, was defeated in the recent election by Shannon Whitfield.
Commissioner Heiskell said that it is actually a seven-percent return taking into consideration the annual losses of $400,000. She also said there had been an offer of $3 million to purchase the farm that was previously rejected.