Case remanded to agency following multiple requests from parties to delay hearing

A company had appealed the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s denial of its application for a tax credit.  Upon its referral to this Court, the case was immediately scheduled for a hearing.  For the next 18 months, the parties submitted repeated requests to postpone the hearing, on the grounds that they were engaging in settlement discussions and needed more time for negotiation.  After granting the parties multiple extensions to file a joint status report, the Court ultimately denied the final request for an extension and remanded the matter to the Department, stating the parties were free to file a new hearing request.