Parks board endorses revised youth‑sports MOU language after debate over added financial disclosure

The Pensacola Parks and Recreation Board voted Nov. 18 to adopt revised language in the proposed memorandum of understanding for youth‑sports providers and forward that recommendation to the City Council.

The move followed public comment by Josh Hadden, president of Pensacola Youth Soccer, who told the board the version posted to the council’s Dec. 11 consent agenda differed from the text the board had unanimously recommended. Hadden said the change was presented publicly without discussion at the board level and raised concerns about process: “I have a responsibility to this organization,” he said, “and I have to stand up for them when the process isn't going the way that it appears through the charter and through your rules and regulations here at this board.”

Staff explained a council member added language prior to the agenda conference, and that staff pulled the item from the council consent agenda so the board could review a lawyer’s redline. The director told the board the insertion was “minor” but it included “a 3 year financial requirement that wasn't in there before.”

Board members emphasized that the Parks & Rec body makes recommendations to council, but council members retain authority to ask the city attorney questions or propose amendments during council review. A board member urged representatives of youth groups to call individual council members after the board’s action to increase confidence that the recommended language will move forward.

Hadden and other youth‑sports leaders said they were willing to provide financial documents if required; Hadden said, “We have our p and l's ready to go.” Staff and board members noted many nonprofits already file tax information and that disclosure requirements often duplicate existing filings.

After discussion, board member Suzanne Lewis moved to adopt the recommended language and forward it to the City Council; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board’s action sends the redlined language and the board’s recommendation to council for consideration. The board did not change its role as an advisory body; staff said council members may still review or amend the agreement during the council’s agenda process.

The next procedural step is council review; the board recommended that youth‑sports leaders contact council members directly if they wish to press for a final, executable MOU before the spring 2026 season.