CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The battle over control of Charlotte Douglas International Airport continues Thursday morning with both sides appearing before a judge.
To put the new law creating an airport commission on hold, the city will try to show the judge it could cost the city in jobs, money and security.
The lawsuit is also costing taxpayers.
"It makes me feel like I'm being robbed, to be honest, I really do," said Angelina White.
The costs hit taxpayers' wallets three ways. Tax dollars pay for state attorneys and airport commission attorneys, since they said the commission, as an agency running a city asset, plans to bill the city for legal time.
Taxpayers will also pay for the city's attorneys. The city has hired lawyers with an outside firm to help its own staff handle the case.
The hearing could result in three possible outcomes Thursday.
If the judge grants the city's motion, the city keeps running the airport and its lawsuit continues through the courts.
If the judge denies the city's motion, the new law takes effect, the airport commission takes over, and former city Aviation Director and current Executive Director of the Airport Commission Jerry Orr runs the airport once again.
And if the judge waits to announce his decision, it could be hours, days or longer before both sides have an answer.
No matter what, the judge's ruling wouldn't terminate the city's lawsuit.
Commission attorneys were optimistic about their chances on Tuesday.
"Once legal issues are addressed by the court on Thursday, we're hopeful that we're going to be able to move forward immediately," attorney Martin Brackett said.
Eyewitness News spoke with City Manager Ron Carlee on Wednesday.
"The city's legal team is finalizing arguments for tomorrow's court case, which the city considers very strong," said Carlee.
The hearing starts at 9:30 a.m.
WSOC
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