Commissioners approve covering shortfall to finish turf upgrades at county diamonds; council approval still required

Decatur County commissioners voted March 17 to cover the remaining shortfall on a multi-phase ball-diamond renovation and artificial-turf project, and instructed staff to continue contracting while seeking final approval from the county council.

The project covers renovations at the county sports complex, including installation of artificial turf on the back four diamonds and related site work. Commissioners and staff described multiple funding sources already committed to the effort: a $400,000 county contribution, a $100,000 allocation from the city TIP program, ARPA funding for the front four diamonds and additional county appropriations. Commissioners also discussed other possible grant applications and private fundraising partnerships as they work to reduce the remaining gap.

Commissioner Brian (no last name provided) said the total cost estimates discussed in the meeting varied. One speaker described the project as "probably around $1.109" million; elsewhere a figure of approximately $1,700,000 was mentioned during discussion of the county's overall investment. At the meeting, the board chair said the project would be eligible for Build Decatur County funds and that $281,200 remained in that account based on documents staff provided.

After discussion of community access and operations, a motion was made and passed to "cover the shortfall and go forward with the backboard" using the Build Decatur County fund, with the condition that the county council must also approve use of that fund for the project. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records commissioners answering "aye." The board did not record roll-call tallies at the meeting.

Commissioners and staff discussed access, scheduling and asset protection plans for the renovated complex. They said the county will use online scheduling software, access-control gate hardware and security cameras, and give practice and game priority to local youth leagues (the local girls softball league was specifically named). Officials said county residents will be allowed to reserve fields online when they are not in use by scheduled leagues, and out-of-county users may be charged a fee. Staff also said the county will set rules to prohibit damaging activity (for example, metal cleats) and that signage and cameras will be used to enforce rules and maintenance obligations.

The board directed staff to proceed with contracting and final procurement steps so work can be scheduled but reiterated that any draw on the Build Decatur County fund requires separate council approval.