City and School District Clash Over Stadium Restoration Funding

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the complexities surrounding a 50-year ground lease agreement between the city of Columbiana and the Columbiana Exempted Village School District. The lease, established on December 31, 2020, allows the school district to manage the football, baseball, and softball fields for a nominal fee of $1 per year. This arrangement aims to facilitate funding opportunities for facility renovations that were previously unavailable to the city.

The discussion highlighted ongoing challenges related to the maintenance and funding of the stadium and surrounding park, which have historically been contentious issues among the city, school district, and community members. Officials noted that the ground lease was intended to simplify these relationships and encourage collaboration, particularly in securing grants for improvements.

City Manager Lance Willard addressed concerns regarding an aging sewer line near the stadium, which has become a focal point in the restoration project. While the city acknowledged its responsibility for the sewer line, it emphasized that budget constraints prevent immediate repairs, with an estimated cost of $120,000 for replacement. The city has prioritized other critical infrastructure needs, leaving the stadium sewer line lower on the list.

Despite the challenges, the city has expressed a willingness to assist the boosters in their restoration efforts. However, officials clarified that direct financial contributions from the city to the project are not feasible due to legal restrictions on the use of taxpayer dollars for private organizations. The city has offered alternative support, including assistance in seeking grants, but recent applications have not yielded success.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity among stakeholders, as misinformation regarding the city's role in the project has circulated in the community. Officials reiterated their commitment to working collaboratively with the school district and boosters to ensure the stadium's restoration while being mindful of fiscal responsibility.