Dear Editor,
Last Tuesday, I attended the Yazoo County budget hearing. I had three items I was going to inquire about.
Number 1: How much was budgeted for Yazoo Parks and Recreation? Answer: $46,075. I informed the supervisors that if they wanted to match what Yazoo City had budgeted, they would need to add another $29,000 to their total.
Number 2: Could the county order the Convention Bureau not to fund Yazoo Parks and Recreation its $45,000 allotment? Answer: Yes, Cobie Collins said the county appointed the Convention Bureau's Board of Directors, and he gave me the impression that the county had complete authority over the Convention Bureau.
This seems to be arbitrary to me and a complete abuse of power. I don't think the legislature meant for the county to have this abuse of power. I believe this abuse can be challenged in court. The business establishments in Yazoo City are mainly responsible for the Convention Bureau's revenue. For the county to be responsible for the Yazoo Parks and Recreation's not receiving its fair allotment is discriminatory.
I will agree with Mr. Collins that the county could order the Convention Bureau not to fund Yazoo Parks and Recreation its $45,000 allotment. That is the way the law reads. But the county would be a low life to do something like this.
Number 3: Could the county order the Convention Bureau to turn over funds so the county can buy land and build a sports complex in Benton? Answer: Yes, According to Cobie Collins. Again, Cobie Collins said the county appointed the Convention Bureau's board of directors, and he gave me the impression that the county had complete authority over the Convention Bureau. According to senate bill no. 3310, section 1., section 1., section 6. (1) " The Convention Bureau shall have jurisdiction and authority over all matters relating to the establishment, promotion and development of tourism and conventions and related matters within Yazoo County, Mississippi."
This transfer of funds would be substantial and, in my opinion, beyond the Convention Bureau's lawful "purpose of providing funds for the promotion of tourism and conventions.”
If the county purchases the land and builds the sports complex using its own funds, not receiving funds from the Convention Bureau, then I think the Convention Bureau should give the sports complex an allotment like it gives Yazoo Parks and Recreation.
But I don't think the county should loot the funds of the Convention Bureau as a piggy bank. If this happens, Yazoo Parks and Recreation will be last on the list to receive its allotment.
I would advise the supervisors and Convention Bureau Board of Directors to get a legal opinion from the MS Attorney General's office before any funds are transferred from the Convention Bureau to the county to purchase land for the sports complex. I would not want the supervisors or the convention Bureau Board of Directors to be held personally responsible for an illegal expenditure of funds.
