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Union County approves $500 stipend for teams reaching World Series after brief debate
Summary
Council approved $500 for any Union County team that advances to World Series tournaments, voting 5–1 after debate over taxpayer funding and appropriate funding source; Councilmember Danny Bright opposed using tax dollars.
Union County Council approved a policy July 9 to provide $500 to any Union County youth team that advances to World Series competition, a measure supporters said recognizes teams representing the county while opponents warned about using taxpayer funds for what could be broad discretionary support.
Councilmember John Glenn moved to dispense with committee referral and provide $500 to any team that advanced to World Series play; Councilman John Flood seconded. The motion passed five to one, with Councilman Danny Bright opposed.
Council members debated funding sources and precedent. Chairman Phillip G. Russell said the council could decide where the money would be paid from (council contingency or tourism surplus). "If the teams were going to the World Series, then we should [support them]," Russell said, noting the teams wear Union County uniforms. Councilman Bright said he did not favor taxpayers funding the donation and offered to donate personally instead.
Councilmembers discussed limiting support to World Series competition only and requiring the team be a Union County team. The council did not finalize the funding source during the meeting; Chair Russell said council would determine payment details afterward.
