Councilmembers Say Non-residents Should Share More in the Cost of Recreation Facilities

A new Recreation Equity Committee has been formed to find ways to lessen the financial burden on city residents.

Council President Mixon talked about the city's extensive and costly rec. facilities (and recent requests for more: almost $1 million for new ball fields); and how the city maintains facilities for the Baldwin School Board at virtually no cost to them.

Committee Chairman Kingrea said there ought to be some benefit for living inside the city limits and out-of-towners should be charged more for using our recreation.

Some past/present members of the regular Recreation Committee (several whom are non-residents themselves) argued in favor of the status quo, claiming non-residents provide many free volunteer services and monetary donations to build add-ons like the new press boxes; but provided no records of such. They were not in favor of asking the BCBOE to contribute more ($) for the maintenance of their school ball fields (because the schools are hurting financially); but they did generally favor looking into some increases to things such as parking and rec. center/pool fees (and coin operated timers for tennis court lights).

Councilman Ford said he opposed any additional recreation charges at all on the grounds the city library is free to all users.

Former Rec. Board Chairman Charles Langham cited the city of Hoover Al. (where he had visited recently) for their extensive rec. services as an example to emulate here ("sports tourism" to generate revenue), but City Super. James Gillsepie pointed out taxes there have to be considerably higher to pay for them.

Langham: ". . . we have to have more facilities (emulate Hoover) . . . need more soccer . . . baseball fields."

Gilliespie: " . . . they (Hoover) tax everything they can tax and then some!"

It was decided to form 3 sub-committees to study possible areas for revenue enhancements:

1. How to promote "Recreational Tourism"
2. Parking charges at games (increase)
3. Fees for Recreation Center/Pool (increase for non-residents)

Mixon reminded everyone that while its true the county school system is hurting financially, its important to remember the city is hurting too.

Publisher's Note: The City recently hired several new lifeguards and other temporary Summer personnel. Another utility rate hike (sewage) is already scheduled for this Fall.

Mixon's Comments:

Kingrea's Comments: