Dear Editor,
It appears that the County is going to build a new sports complex in Benton. It also appears that the county will quit contributing $46,075 yearly to Yazoo Parks and Recreation.
I wish the county well on its new venture. I believe it will do a first-class job, but it will be expensive to build, maintain, and operate. But in the end, this complex will provide years of enjoyment to the children and adults who use it.
To help with the financial burden to the City and County in running their recreational programs, I would like to suggest the following:
The County leaders can get together with Senator Joseph Thomas Sr. and amend Senate Bill No. 3310 so that the Convention Bureau can give Yazoo Parks and Recreation at least $91,075 ($45,000 +$46,075) annually. And at the same time, the Convention Bureau can give the Benton Sports Complex at least $91,075 annually.
With the $75,000 the city now contributes to Yazoo Parks and Recreation and the $91,075 from the Convention Bureau, the Yazoo Parks and Recreation would have $166,075 to operate. With the new City administration coming in, hopefully the City will increase its $75,000 annual contribution.
With the $46,075 the County won’t be contributing to Yazoo Parks and Recreation and the $91,075 from the Convention Bureau, the Benton Sports Complex would have this $137,150 to operate. The County will have to contribute more funds for the complex to operate successfully.
Hopefully, the county will continue its $46,075 yearly to Yazoo Parks and Recreation until the Benton Sports Complex is operational.
Wallace Russell
