Local sports funders deny disc-golf grant, table soccer request and approve state baseball funding

The Sports and Events Authority on July 2 denied $500 for the Mitchell Disc Golf Open, tabled a $7,500 request for a two-day soccer tournament at the Pepsi Complex and approved $5,000 to host the State Amateur Baseball Tournament at Cadwell Park.

Carey Muhlenberg, who identified herself as the tournament organizer for the Mitchell Open, asked the committee for $500 to cover event costs for a one-day event planned for about July 20. Muhlenberg said the primary need was to cover a newly applied $300 city park-closure fee and that proof-of-insurance had been required in 2022 and 2023 but not earlier. She provided historical attendance figures, saying the event drew as many as 89 competitors in 2021 and between about 37 and 60 competitors in several prior years; she said five people were signed up at the time of her presentation but hoped registrations could rise to 30–50.

"The reason why we're requesting the $500 is, first, there's a $300 park closure fee that we need to take care of with the city," Muhlenberg said. Committee members questioned whether closing the course was necessary for a small field and whether signage could reduce conflicts with noncompetitors; one commissioner recommended denying the request unless participant numbers increased substantially.

Allison Palmer, presenting for a two-day soccer tournament at the Pepsi Complex, requested $7,500 to cover field costs and referees. Palmer said organizers expect roughly 20–22 teams, estimated that about 70% of visiting families would need overnight rooms, and described outreach to local Main Street businesses to encourage visitor spending. The committee voted to table that request and asked organizers to return in August with updated participant counts.

Jim Johnston requested $5,000 for the 12-day State Amateur Baseball Tournament, Aug. 6–17, at Cadwell Park. Johnston said the event routinely brings between 10,000 and 13,000 visitors over its run and that the requested funds would be used for meals for officials, park rental and lighting costs, tent and scoreboard operator fees, and other operating expenses. "Our request is for $5,000 and just so you know where that money goes, the tournament's 12 day tournament and there's 5 of those days where the commissioners can't leave Cadwell Park because they've got 2 afternoon games," Johnston said. The committee approved the $5,000 request; the presenter abstained from the vote and two other members (identified in the transcript as Tim Smith and Jocko) also abstained.

Procedural items included approval of prior meeting minutes (motion by LaRue, second by Brian) and a financial report showing year-to-date collections of $115,043 and a fund balance of $48,550. The committee set its next meeting for Aug. 13 and adjourned.

Votes at a glance: - Mitchell Disc Golf Open ($500): Motion to deny passed (moved by Doug; seconded on the record; denial carried by voice vote). Note: committee cited low current registrations and recommended organizers avoid closing the park or paying the closure fee unless numbers rise. - Pepsi Complex soccer tournament ($7,500): Motion to table until August passed (moved by LeRoux; seconded). Committee requested updated participant counts before deciding. - State Amateur Baseball Tournament ($5,000): Motion to approve passed; abstentions recorded (presenter/board member abstained; Tim Smith and Jocko abstained).

Next steps: Organizers for the Mitchell Disc Golf Open and the Pepsi Complex soccer tournament were asked to return with updated participation numbers if they wish to pursue funding.