Funding cut for county parks

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A change in the rules for the use of Morgan County’s four recreational parks will likely force parents to dig deeper in their pockets when youth baseball and softball seasons get under way next year.
A policy change approved unanimously at the commission’s Nov. 24 meeting eliminated funding for game officials at regular season games. Making up for the revenue loss will fall into the hands of youth leagues at Cotaco, Falkville, Priceville and Danville.
Commissioners said the rising cost in the upkeep and maintenance of the parks was the reason for making the change.
District 2 Commissioner Ken Livingston said he spent $250,000 to upgrade the lighting at West Park earlier this year and spent $25,000 to replace fencing around one of the ball fields.
“We want the kids to play but the expense continues to increase,” Livingston said. “We’re just trying to keep from digging a bigger financial hole.”
David Wood, president of Falkville’s recreation program, urged the commission not to withdraw its pay for the umpires.
Wood was told Bruce Lackey, Morgan County parks and recreation director, has scheduled a meeting with recreational leaders from all four communities to discuss revenue options.
The new policy would allow the ball field to be rented at a rate of $125 per field, along with a $25 per hour charge for use of the lights.
In another matter pertaining to county parks, a resolution was passed prohibiting smoking except in areas clearly designated smoking area. The term smoking includes the carrying, holding or other possession of lighted smoking materials in any form, including but not limited to lighted cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other tobacco products or paraphernalia.
District commissioners will have the responsibility for designating and posting smoking areas and enforcing them.
District 1 Commissioner Jeff Clark said North Park already restricts smoking to an area on the edge of a parking lot. District 2 Commissioner Ken Livingston said he is considering designating a smoking area behind the outfields of ball parks so people can smoke and watch the game at he same time.
The commission acted on other matters as follows:
Approved payment of $3,621 to Trident Insurance for an insurance deductible regarding jail litigations filed against the Morgan County Commission
Approved certificates to subdivide for Gregory &Connie Henderson, Talucah Road, and Jeffrey Roan Owen, Morrow Mountain Road and Owen King Road, both in District 4.