By Traci Chapman/Staff Writer

Proposals for a new multi-million dollar baseball complex in the city have hit roadblocks before. As a new $2.8 million bond issue moves toward an April ballot, some City Council members have questioned whether it is the right time to present the issue to voters.
Voters turned down a $4.5 million sports complex proposal in December 2006.

Mayor Jeff Landrith said he believes the proposal was rushed through Council and while he knows the proposed $5 million in road improvements to Czech Hall Road are necessary, he is not so sure the baseball complex needs to move ahead at the same time.

“I don’t think we’ve spent enough time on this issue,” he said. “I think I’m just more inclined from a voter perspective to find other alternatives. I just don’t think $3 million is an appropriate price tag.”

Ward 4 Councilman Keith Bryan has also expressed reservations about the timing of the proposal, although he said he doesn’t have a problem with the proposed $2.8 million cost for the baseball fields.

“I want to have new baseball fields,” Bryan said. “My concern is that people will tie the two separate issues — roads and baseball — together, and neither will pass as a result. We really need those road improvements.”

Landrith said should City Council approve a bond issue for new baseball fields now, he believes the plan could be cut by millions of dollars to decrease the amount requested.

“I personally think a baseball complex of $1 million to $1.5 million is still very nice,” he said. “That may not be a 10 out of 10 on quality, but I think city staff could build something much better than what we have now for that amount.”

Another idea, Landrith said, would be to build the fields as funds become available — at cost or discount through volunteer effort — to lessen any tax increase assumed by homeowners.

“I think the community should be more involved as a community project,” he said.

Ward 1 Councilman Jay Adams said he has discussed the issue with the mayor, and using sub-grade materials or volunteer labor — even if the city could get it — is not the answer.

“These things are not only built for endurance but for the safety of spectators,” he said. “You can’t short cut costs, or you are short-cutting safety. Also, finding someone who will volunteer their time and materials will be almost impossible. Anyone qualified to do it will be a larger company who has to make a living.

“It is shortsighted to build something using sub-grade materials,” he said. “That’s not good business.”

There is one component of the proposed cost that both men believe may be saved — a built-in contingency cost of just over $330,000. That contingency is included in the proposal for unforeseen expenses and rising costs. Both Landrith and Adams said if that could be avoided, it would be “significant.”

If the bond issue is approved by Council this week, the city will call for an election, which could be held as early as April.