Rec Fees Are Dropped to $25

At a special called meeting of the Jasper County Recreation Commission held last Friday evening, the board voted unanimously to drop recreation ball fees for spring sports to $25 per player.

The commission had discussed that action at a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 5, but did not take official action until receiving support from the Jasper County Commission.

Four of the five county commissioners and County Manager Lorri Smith attended Friday’s meeting.

Nearly 200 children had already signed up at a higher original price, but because it goes from three years old to 16, there were not enough players to have competition at all age levels. What the commission members heard from the community is that the fee is too high.

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Recreation director Wes Chester said that the fees could not be lowered and the program break even. (Mr. Chester was hired four years ago, and his agreement with the commission was the county would pay his salary plus $1,000 a month, and he would generate whatever additional monies were needed through fees, sponsorships, concessions, however he could.

After crunching numbers between Tuesday and Friday, Ms. Smith and Mr. Chester determined they could run the recreation program if the children each paid $45.

Mr. Chester explained the biggest expense is umpires, then outlined other expenses.

The commission members were not satisfied with the $45 price, and wanted to go to $25, which is the same rate parents pay for their children to play at Shiloh Baptist Church in north Jasper County.

The recreation commission members made it clear that they want the children in the community to play recreation ball. The commissioners present, while not taking a vote, agreed they are supportive of the recreation program, indicating they would certainly consider funding recreation at a higher rate.