Loomis council approves $50,000 toward Del Oro High School tennis court resurfacing

The Loomis Town Council voted 4–1 to commit $50,000 from the town's undesignated general-fund reserves to help resurface six public tennis courts at Del Oro High School.

The money was approved after a sustained public presentation from Del Oro parents, coaches and players calling the courts “a heavily used and significant asset” for Loomis. Paul Frank, who led the community request, told the council the courts are “the only public courts from Johnson Spring View Park in Rocklin all the way up to North Auburn” and said resurfacing would support youth sports and local businesses that benefit when tournaments bring visitors to town.

Frank and several Del Oro coaches and student captains described heavy, year‑round use. Coach Jen Isaac said the school runs a “no‑cut” program and already has 60 girls signed up for fall play. Student leaders said the courts build community and encourage college‑bound athletes. Community members, including longtime players who travel the region, told the council public courts are rare and linked to longer-term health benefits for residents.

Town staff provided context on cost and financing. Staff reported the lowest contractor bid for the resurfacing work was $99,000; player fundraising had raised about $15,000 and organizers expected additional commitments from the school district and Placer County. Town staff said the request would be an appropriation from the town's undesignated general-fund balance and recommended council consider contributing.

Councilmembers debated scale and timing. Some members said they favored supporting Del Oro but expressed concern about committing a large share of the town’s undesignated reserves; others argued the courts are a community asset that returns economic benefit. Finance staff described the town’s reserves and stressed that $50,000 would come from the undesignated portion that council may allocate at its discretion.

After discussion, a motion to provide $50,000 passed on roll call: Councilmember Cortez — aye; Councilmember Youngblood — aye; Councilmember Cartwright — aye; Councilmember Clark Kretz — aye; Mayor Ring — no. The council asked staff to bring a resolution to the next meeting to formalize the appropriation and to withhold release of funds until the tennis group demonstrates the remainder of the project funding is secured.

The council and community signaled support for additional fundraising and in‑kind contributions. Organizers said they would continue private fundraising, pursue district and county contributions, and pursue donated services that could lower the town’s share. Staff also noted maintenance and timing: resurfacing now is likely less expensive than rebuilding later.

The council action does not specify construction timing; staff said the town’s contribution will be documented by resolution and held until the community demonstrates the full project funding is available.