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Magistrates question 10-year, $1-per-year Waterford Park lease; court invites renegotiation
Summary
A proposed 10-year lease to the Spencer County Soccer Association for Waterford Park at $1 per year drew criticism Sept. 4 over term length, rent, and responsibility for capital improvements. The court directed staff to meet with the association and seek a revised agreement with a one-year review option.
A proposed 10-year lease giving the Spencer County Soccer Association (SCSA) use of Waterford Park for $1 per year prompted sustained questioning from magistrates at the Sept. 4 Spencer County Fiscal Court meeting.
The draft agreement would have leased athletic fields, concession stands and restrooms to SCSA for scheduled games and practices, at a nominal rent of $1 per year, and would permit the association to charge admission and keep concession revenue. Several magistrates, led by Esq. Stump, said the term was too long and the nominal rent failed to address who would finance capital improvements that primarily benefit the association.
"I don't think they should do a 10-year because that's too long," Esq. Stump said, arguing the county should not be locked into a long-term arrangement that shifts improvement costs to taxpayers. He asked that any long-term lease include clearer financial responsibilities and proposed a one-year review process or stronger reporting on end-of-year finances by the association.
Judge-Executive Scott Travis said staff would meet with SCSA to address concerns, and that the court was sympathetic to the association’s desire to secure grants but wary of ceding control over a county park. Members discussed admission, concessions and whether funds collected would be reinvested into park improvements or used for the league’s needs.
No long-term lease was adopted on Sept. 4. Instead, the court asked staff to negotiate terms that balance the association’s ability to pursue grants with county oversight, and to return with revised lease language and a process for a one-year review.
What happens next: Court and SCSA representatives are to meet to negotiate revised lease terms; county staff will draft a contract reflecting the court’s direction and the matter is expected to return to the court for further action.
