ALBANY, GA (WALB) -
Albany City leaders have terminated the lease agreement with the Albany Panthers team of the Professional Indoor Football League.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, the Albany City Manager's office said the team was informed by written notice on January 23 of the termination.
The statement said football and concession lease agreements had failed payments, and those agreements were terminated.
The Panthers owe the city at least $12,000 in unpaid fees for use of the Civic Center going back to last December, and the last time the city received payments for concessions was last February.
Because of the termination, no game dates have been set for 2014 indoor football games.
The letter from City Attorney Nathan Davis says that the partners of the Albany Panthers, LLC have personal liability for the debt.
Late Tuesday afternoon, WALB received this email from Rod Chappell, President/CEO of Grassroots Promotions, LLC-
"The Albany Panthers' lease agreement includes an ability to cure any default once an official letter is received from the City of Albany.
In a January 27th call with City Manager - James Taylor, Panthers owner Rod Chappell was informed that the team had 30 days from the January 23rd default letter to cure any outstanding issues with the City.
After speaking with Mr. Taylor and City Attorney - Nathan Davis today, Mr. Chappell informed the City of the Panthers intent to cure the default.
The Panthers and PIFL representatives will be in Albany this week to speak live with City of Albany officials."
Copyright 2014 WALB. All rights reserved.
