Miami City Leaders Question Florida Marlins' Commitment to Ballpark.

Byline: Charles Rabin

Jun. 28--Two Miami city leaders say recent discussions with the Florida Marlins have left them pessimistic about the club's commitment to a new funding proposal for a downtown baseball stadium.

Miami Commissioner Johnny Winton on Wednesday said his attempt to discuss Mayor Joe Carollo's plan for a referendum on ballpark financing with team owner John Henry fizzled when Henry expressed concerns about the proposed Miami River stadium site and financing, and an unwillingness to seek legislative approval for some of the funding.

"I was a little dismayed he did not have any suggestions about fixing any of the problems," Winton said.

And Carollo said he has been unable to move forward with his referendum because the Marlins have yet to sign off on his plan. He wants to ask city voters to approve $326 million in bond debt, $148 million of which would go toward a new stadium. The city would also buy the land where the team would play, and the county would provide $118 million in hotel tax money.

"The reason this is in jeopardy is because the Marlins need to get moving quickly," Carollo said. "There is about $300 million on the table, between the city and the county, and they have to make up their minds. I don't know why it's taking so long."

A top Marlins executive said discussions over the plan continue. "There have been meetings and discussions going on," said Marlins Executive Vice President Julio Rebull Jr. "But the goal is to get some sort of letter of understanding with the three parties. The time frame is sooner than later."