Recreation board apps available
BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Bradford County commissioners approved the first expenditure for Bradford Sports United, although it required some discussion.
Board Chairman Danny Riddick brought the request to purchase $30,000 of clay to cover the ballfields at Starke’s Edwards Road park. The youth sports program is funded equally by the county, city and Tourist Development Council. TDC’s contribution covers infrastructure needs like field improvements.
“Are you kidding me?” Riddick asked when Commissioner Diane Andrews’ motion to approve the expenditure did not receive an immediate second to move forward with a vote.
“If you’ve been to those fields, they’re in bad shape,” Riddick said. “The reason we’re using TDC money, there’s going to be tournaments coming in there, and you may get the tournaments in there a couple times. But those teams coming in from all over the place, if they come and play on that field like that, you won’t get them back, I just promise you.”
TDC funds are involved because travel tournaments also benefit businesses within the community, including hotels and restaurants, he said. Tourist development funding is derived from a tax on overnight accommodations known as the Bed Tax.
Commissioner Chris Dougherty seconded the motion for further discussion. He said he approved the of the funding coming from TDC’s contribution to the recreation budget. He wanted to remind the board of his desire to fund recreation through significant budget cuts. Instead, the county’s contribution was funded with “found money.”
“I would approve the use of the clay for the fields, but with that asterisk in there that I did not approve the funding of the recreation department,” Dougherty said.
Riddick further explained he brought the purchase to the board because someone had volunteered their time and equipment to work on the fields if the board could supply the clay.
Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase.
Recreation board apps available
Riddick said Bradford Sports United is still working on putting its board together. The county commission has appointed him, Starke appointed executive assistant Cathy Bradley, and TDC appointed Brooker Mayor Gene Melvin.
They will choose four additional board members through a volunteer application process. Applications can be downloaded at www.bradfordcountyfl.gov or www.cityofstarke.org. Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to city hall, 209 N. Thompson St. in Starke.
Board members will help plan events, guide initiatives and participate in fundraising. Those with a passion for recreation and youth engagement are encouraged to apply.
Terms are for two or four years and members must be able to attend board meetings and activities. Background screening by the sheriff’s office is required.
