BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Braford Sports United won the support of most county commissioners, who voted to enter a memorandum of understanding with the city of Starke, which includes an additional year of financial support from both local governments.
Each board committed $150,000 to Bradford Sports United in this year’s budget, and the memorandum of understanding approved by the county Tuesday morning will provide an additional $150,000 from each next year. Starke city commissioners were set to vote on the MOU that evening.
The Tourist Development Council, which promotes tourism within the county, also voted to support the new youth sports organization with $150,000 this year, which will be used on park improvements that will help attract tournaments and additional tourist dollars. That revenue comes from the county’s “bed tax” on overnight accommodations and required the county’s approval as well.
The single vote against the MOU came from Commissioner Chris Dougherty, who wanted any funding for the BSU initiative to come from real budget cuts instead of the county’s reserves. That didn’t happen in this budget, and he didn’t want to commit funding in a future budget until those budget cuts are achieved. If during budget talks for next year they can find $150,000 in cuts, he would support budgeting that money for the recreation program.
Commissioner Danny Riddick was enthusiastic about how far Bradford Sports United has come in its first few meetings and with the help he has received through the county manager’s office and city hall. He said the county and city have never worked better together. A design to remodel the concessions stand at Edwards Road Park is up for a vote at the next rec board meeting. Work is also being done on the pickle ball court and restrooms.
The goal has always been for BSU to become self-supporting within two years. They are working on becoming a Babe Rugh chartered group. Attorneys are working on drafting BSU’s bylaws an incorporating it as a private nonprofit. Doing so means its board members can work outside of public view despite their use of public funds. The memorandum of understanding, however, does require BSU to present quarterly financial reports to the county and city to account for the use of their donations.
Bradford Sports United is currently advertising for full-time director to run its programs.
The next BSU meeting is Nov. 12 at 8:30 a.m. at Starke City Hall.
