Lindsay council approves launch of city-run youth sports program and two part-time positions

The Lindsay City Council on Tuesday approved a plan to launch a city-run youth sports program and authorized recruitment for two part-time positions to run it. Council Member Nate and city staff presented the program, saying it aims to expand youth opportunities by offering youth basketball, baseball/softball and volleyball in partnership with Lindsay Unified School District facilities. A staff presenter said the program would be free or low-cost to participants and “we want people to show up. We want them to enjoy our facilities.” The city described the first-year budget as largely start-up costs. Staff presented preliminary expense estimates (basketball $13,000; baseball/softball $46,000; volleyball $9,000) and said about $30,000 of the total would be start-up equipment and one-time costs. Estimated program income from registrations and district support was presented; staff estimated the district contribution and registration income could roughly offset costs but called the figures preliminary. The council authorized two part-time positions to support the program: a sports coordinator (part-time, up to 1,000 hours per fiscal year) and part-time sports officials. Staff said the coordinator’s hourly range would be aligned with the recreation coordinator pay scale and that officials would be paid per assignment; both positions were designated as part time with no benefits. The staff presentation described duties as program organization, facility coordination with the school district, oversight of youth games and recruiting/training officials. Council members asked about fees, staffing costs and whether the start-up estimates were conservative; staff said the figures were estimates from initial planning and that registration/partnership revenue would be monitored. Council Member Nate said the goal was participation and affordability rather than revenue generation. After discussion the motion to authorize the program plan and start recruitment for the two part-time positions was put to a vote and approved by council. Funding questions and next steps: staff said sponsorships and district facility access reduce city costs and that the council would receive follow-up budget detail and recruitment materials before hires were finalized.