The Hoover City Council on Jan. 12 received a year-end report for the Hoover Met complex showing record usage and a significant jump in economic impact.

Mister Ealy, who delivered the report, said, "we had 80,000 individuals come out and use our community assets" and that total visitors for the year were 784,000, up from about 712,000 the prior year. He told the council the city'9s visitor-driven estimated economic impact rose to nearly $101,000,000 and that rental revenue and food-and-beverage receipts both increased.

Ealy summarized the fiscal results: "net income from annual operations ended up at $1,320,000 compared to $755,000 budget." He credited new national and regional events 20including five large basketball tournaments and additional showcases 20with bringing roughly 40,000 more out-of-town visitors who supported hotels and restaurants.

Council members followed with operational questions. One asked whether neighborhood groups were being denied facility use because of insurance requirements; Ealy said denials happen only for conflicts and that the management contract requires a certificate of insurance naming the city and the park board. On RV-park fees, staff said daily rates remain "in line, if not less than" comparable facilities but that SEC-tournament demand had been underpriced and a modest fee adjustment could add $30,000 20$40,000 in revenue.

The report included utilization figures for specific facilities and highlighted in-kind contributions and sponsorships the city received. Council members praised the revenue gains and asked staff to continue monitoring pricing and community access.

The city did not take any formal action on the report; it was provided for information and follow-up questions.