Obetz committee recommends higher youth sports fees after failed safety levy

City of Obetz officials on Feb. 2 recommended raising spring youth-sports fees as part of efforts to close budget shortfalls following the defeat of a safety levy.

Council President Pro-Tem Derek Varney led the Committee of the Whole discussion, which centered on a 2025 operating loss of $1,508,783.05 and proposed 2026 expense reductions totaling $656,516.45, figures presented by City Administrator Rod Davisson. Davisson noted the adopted 2026 budget already cut budgeted expenses by 56% in December 2025.

Varney presented a proposed youth-sports operating budget for 2026 (excluding salaries) showing line items including officials ($16,500), background checks ($3,212), insurance ($10,500), contractual expenses ($6,000) and operating expenses ($88,710) for a total of $124,922. He also provided estimated cost-per-player figures used to set fees, including an average cost of $170.36 per participant and higher costs for equipment-intensive sports such as football ($358.83) and softball ($203.57).

The committee discussed how those costs compare with 2024 fees and with surrounding organizations. Varney proposed higher resident and nonresident spring rates; the committee recorded the final recommended spring rates as T-Ball resident $60/nonresident $80, and baseball and softball resident $75/nonresident $95. Varney said the proposed analysis does not include salaries and that the figures are based on estimated participation.

City Administrator Rod Davisson told the committee the City will provide accommodations for families in need: “If a family is truly in need, the City will work something out. All kids will get to play,” he said. Youth Sports Coordinator Jacob Gifford described program differences that informed fee decisions, saying Obetz provides additional team gear and equipment — “players get more ‘stuff’” — such as pants and large equipment bags that other organizations sometimes do not supply. Andy Scholz, operations manager at Fortress Obetz, said the goal in setting fees was to fund “the best program in the area.”

Resident and youth baseball coach John Flynn praised the Obetz program during public comment, calling the prices “a good value,” and suggested adding fall baseball to the program list. Mayor Kirk argued nonresident fees should be higher; Councilmembers Michael Flaherty, Robert Kramer and Mike Kimbler indicated support for the recommended direction, and Councilmember Todd Gibbs proposed a $5 reduction to some nonresident rates.

The committee presented its final recommendations for spring sports fees and adjourned. The recommendations were recorded as the Committee's final guidance; the transcript does not record a formal council adoption of the fee changes. Fall sports fees, and any formal adoption steps, will be addressed at a later meeting when staff return to continue discussions.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Michael Flaherty, seconded by Councilmember Todd Gibbs, and carried by voice vote; the Committee adjourned at 5:38 p.m.