BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — The Bradford County Cowboys got more than they asked for from county commissioners last week, citing a need for public funding to support the program
Rodney Mosley told the commission the growing youth football organization’s annual budget is $12,000 to $16,000, which pays to keep the program running and provide uniforms and equipment, including helmets.
Most of their revenue is generated by fees, fundraising and community sponsorships, but it is not enough to cover the entire cost of the football program. Sadly, with close to 100 kids signed up, they had to turn some away this year because there wasn’t enough equipment to go around.
“We never had to do that before, and it hurt me to have to do that to those kids,” he said.
Mosley attributed the growth to the aftermath of the pandemic and everyone wanting to get outdoors again. They have done so successfully, with all four teams making the playoffs, he said, and they are considering having another spring season.
Mosley said these kids are precious and it’s important to help cultivate their lives.
The county commission set aside $15,000 in its budget to support recreational organizations, but it doesn’t designate that support to any particular group. Instead, the funds are awarded as organizations approach the board with requests.
It’s first come, first served.
The Cowboys requested $6,000 from the county’s recreation budget.
There was some confusion about the presence of other recreation organizations in the community who might come to request funding as well. Commission Chairman Chris Dougherty said there were none. Commissioner Danny Riddick asked about the baseball and softball program, which is run by Bradford County Sports Inc.
“I know they’ll be coming up for requests,” he said.
County attorney Will Sexton said there had been no additional requests by offered to reach out to the group. He said there has been no yearly consistency among applicants.
Riddick agreed the Cowboys probably need more money because of equipment costs but asked if they shouldn’t reach out to the other group before making a before committing the entire budget to football.
Commissioner Carolyn Spooner disagreed, saying the commission in the past made its decision based on whether the need was justified.
Discussion from the crowd included a parent representing the Babe Ruth league, who was certain their organization would be interested in some support as well, and a parent with children in both organizations who said baseball is supported by the city of Starke, sponsors and concession sales, so the Cowboys are most in need.
Dougherty also pointed out that while Starke supports Bradford County Sports Inc., many of the participants live outside the city limits, so city funding also helps county residents.
Spooner moved that the Cowboys receive the entire $15,000, but the motion failed for lack of support. Riddick suggested donating $10,000, leaving $5,000 in the budget for other requests. Spooner made a new motion to that effect, which passed unanimously.
