Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Youth Sports Support topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Junior Panthers ask Saltville for $5,200 for pads and insurance; council sends request to committee
Summary
Representatives of the Saltville Junior Panthers asked the council to fund $4,222.91 for shoulder pads and $1,000 for insurance. Council discussed timing and equity with other youth sports and voted to convene a special recreation-committee meeting to review the request.
Kimberly Lester, vice president of the Saltville Junior Panthers rec league, addressed the council and asked for $5,200 to cover new shoulder pads and insurance for the upcoming youth football season. She said the pads are worn out and proper safety equipment and insurance are essential for the program’s players and families.
Lester provided a cost breakdown included in the meeting packet: a Riddell quote for pads totaling $4,222.91 (quote dated Oct. 27, 2025) and insurance estimated at $1,000. She described youth sports as a community investment that encourages discipline, teamwork and civic involvement.
Council members discussed whether the football program had previously received similar support and noted budget-equity concerns for other youth sports. Councilman Cary Sauls said the request should be reviewed by the recreation committee; he moved to call a special meeting of his committee to consider the request and invited program members to attend. Councilman Ryan Comer seconded the motion, expressing concern about the time frame for ordering equipment.
The motion to hold a committee meeting passed unanimously; no appropriation was approved at the May 12 meeting. Council directed that the recreation committee review the quote, confirm current pricing and insurance needs, and report back to the council.
