Board approves $85,000 budget to level high-school baseball field

The Liberty School District board on June 11 approved a motion to budget up to $85,000 to repair and level the high-school baseball field, following discussion of five contractor quotes that ranged widely in scope and cost.

Superintendent (Speaker 3) summarized bids and explained the differences: some contractors proposed simply adding and grading fill, while others recommended a deeper rebuild that includes cutting out and replacing existing soil. Board members stressed the long-term value of a thorough job. "They're gonna be far more thorough," one board member said of the higher-priced vendor, noting that the pricier quote appeared to come from firms that specialize in athletic fields. The board also discussed a donation of material and noted that one vendor had offered to donate a significant portion of the project cost.

Board members raised concerns about short-term cost savings that could create drainage and maintenance problems later. A board member cautioned that imported dirt might bring noxious weeds and increase future maintenance costs. The motion to approve a budget cap of $85,000 for the leveling project passed by voice vote with no roll-call recorded.