Trustees of Morris Brown College have turned down an offer of nearly $10 million in taxpayer money.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed had offered the money that would have eliminated the bankrupt school's $35 million debt and solved its legal problems.

Morris Brown's lawyer Anne Aaronson has said the city's offer was insufficient because it covered the college's debt but didn't provide operating funds. She says the school has a better offer on the table. Reed and city officials say that's hard to believe. The lawyer declined to give any further details.

Reed says the school's rejection of his offer puts the school's future in danger and also threatens the city's vision for a revitalization of the area around the campus.

Tags: Atlanta, bankruptcy, Kasim Reed, Morris Brown College