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photo by Ben Hillyer
A local recreation committee has proposed creating a recreation complex next to Natchez High School and making several changed to existing parks.
Recreation question on Nov. 3 ballot
Published Sunday, September 20, 2009
It’s campaign season for a few elected officials and a group of regular citizens, but no one loses their job in this election.
In fact, if you ask the folks campaigning, a “yes” vote could even mean a few more jobs for everyone down the road.
A recreation committee — composed of local leaders and citizens from the city and county — has long-term and short-term dreams for the future of sports in Adams County, but first, they want your input.
On the Nov. 3 ballot for Adams County sheriff is a non-binding referendum about recreation.
Voters will have the chance to say “yes” or “no” to a countywide recreation program in the ballot opinion poll.
But a majority “yes” or majority “no” vote does not mean recreation will or won’t happen. That decision will ultimately be up to the board of supervisors, board of aldermen and school board.
For the past year, the recreation committee has been drafting plans and crunching the numbers to create a proposed recreation complex.
Adams County Supervisor Mike Lazarus said current plans call for revamping Duncan Park and developing the vacant property near Natchez High School, known as the “bean field.”
“This is for the kids and this community,” Lazarus said. “But it’s also a great chance to bring new revenue to this community. Recreation is a big business, and right now, Natchez is missing the boat.”
If the recreation complex moves ahead as planned, one baseball field from Duncan Park will be removed to make way for eight new tennis courts and a new tennis pro shop will be added.
“(Improvements at the courts) would allow us to be able to host tournaments, which could be a big draw for the community,” Lazarus said.
Across town at the bean field, the recreation committee hopes to build five baseball fields, three softball fields, at least two soccer fields.
They also want to upgrade nearby Chester Willis Field.
When voters cast their ballots, the referendum will list a project as costing no more than $5.4 million.
But recreation committee member Bubba Kaiser said he believes the project could cost much less.
The committee does not have professional engineer and architect estimates, because those cost money, and the committee wanted to gauge community interest before asking local boards to spend taxpayer money.
But free estimates Kaiser has obtained place the project acosting between 20 to 25 percent less than the $5.4 million figure.
The $5.4 million figure came from early estimates obtained before the economic downturn. Now that the economy is slumping, contractors are eager to work and prices are down, Kaiser said.
“Now’s a good time to have this kind of work done,” Kaiser said.
And Lazarus believes it’s feasible to begin work soon enough to take advantage of low prices.
Kaiser said if voters chose to move forward with recreation development on Nov. 3 then the committee will seek funding to move forward with architectural drawings and professional estimates.
And while discussion of joint funding between the three public boards has been raised, committee attorney Walter Brown said funding for the project should come from the county in the form of a bond.
Brown said the while the county could issue a revenue bond, to be funded by a sales tax increase, that process is time consuming.
“It would require legislative approval and need voter approval,” Brown said. “It’s a very lengthy process.”
Brown said by the time the legislature and voters approve a sales tax increase it would likely be 2011 before a bond could be issued.
But another less time-consuming plan to fund the project has caught Lazarus’ attention.
“We’re retiring debt in Adams County,” Lazarus said. “And that’s money we could use for a general obligation bond.”
Should the supervisors vote to fund the project with the issuance of a general obligation bond, money they’re already collecting in millage could be used to finance the bond payments, Brown said.
That would only require the county board to give notice of their intent to issue a bond, hold a public hearing on the matter, and then issue the bond.
Adams County Administrator Cathy Walker said in 2009 the county paid off $2.9 million in debt and expects to free up another $1.8 million in 2010.
“Right now we are lowering our debt without taking on any new debt,” Walker said.
The new, and soon-to-be retired debt, was a result of several small loans and bonds the county had been paying on for various projects, Walker said.
Lazarus said he believes the county should continue to use the money it’s already collecting, that will no longer be needed for debts, to fund the recreation complex.
“I think it’s doable,” he said.
And for some involved in the recreation plan, the issue is much larger than baseball fields and bond payments.
Recreation committee member and former Natchez Mayor Tony Byrne said local leaders should be looking at the complex as a long-term investment in the betterment of Natchez and its children.
“Look at Duncan Park, they had the foresight then to develop something we’re still using today,” Byrne said. “We owe this to our children and ourselves. We have a chance to leave that same legacy.”
The Natchez-Adams Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Hudson said the chamber will host a public forum at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Natchez Convention Center. The public will have an opportunity to meet with the recreation committee to have all of its questions answered.
“We want everyone there,” she said.
“If you like the plan or you just have questions or concerns, we want to see you there.”
Comments
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 12:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No new Taxes! When the next election comes about/just remember who voted to put these "burdens" on you! Stand up and be counted!
Posted by sobeit (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like no matter how the people vote the rec facility is going forward! Why bother to vote yes or no?
Posted by shelockholmes (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can you not read rushjr nowhere in this article did anyone speak of taxes. I believe it said it could be paid for by using the debt service we are retiring, but you read it again and let me know.
I have noticed that the ones that are not for this can only use taxes as their reason. So does this mean you are for it if it will not cause a tax increase?
Posted by gardencity (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Rec center is a no brainer. give the youth some direction and it will show in the future.
All the Tax comments, i would bet not one of the authors has contacted their congressmen,senators,or rep's to complain about how much the fed's are raising our taxes
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would definately vote YES if it does not raise the taxes. We need it in Natchez.
Posted by shelockholmes (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sobeit if this fails at the polls do you think our elected would still push it? Let me answer NO NO. I believe Lazarus said in his top of the morning he would only vote to spend money on it if it passes in his district. The BOS and BOA better listen to the voters because in 2 years we will be voting again. My husband and three sons will vote for this so if you are not for it get the vote out. This does not have to turn ugly it is about our kids, so instead of fussing
just go vote.
Posted by Crakalakin (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The people who think this playground is a panacea for all that ails Natchez are hilarious.
Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bailing out AIG? A no-brainer. Bailing out Chrysler (twice) and GM? No-brainers.
Does anyone have a clue how bonds are financed?
Posted by eawprops (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like no matter what the voters say the powers that be will really decide for us then let us pay!
This sounds a little too much like our current president!
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Retiring old debt GOOD....replacing it with new debt in this economy...BAD!
Posted by onethatcaresNtz (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well lets see, the city of natchez and the adams county board of supervisors miraculously must have found some money for this to happen. Tuesday night the 22nd, the city of natchez is considering laying off folks, and consolidating jobs. Just out of curiosity, does that mean that the mayor may lose 1 of his 2 secretaries? For the city to save money, the mayor bought a new vehicle, but yet, bought an 8 cylinder mercury grand marquis, that is fully loaded, with leather seats, transferring his old mountaineer to the recreation department. Yes that saved money from the mayor's budget, but the city is still footing the bill, but yet the city has no money???? something stranger going on in city hall. The city has cut the gap insurance plan for all employees now to save money, so what can we cut next? Lets see, maybe the city will cut the police department more, an agency that is barely getting by with supplies, and equipment. Afterall how many tax payers want to see police cars that are dented up, and raggedy looking and sounding patroling there neighborhoods and streets. Point of this statement being, if the city can't afford to take care of what it already has, then why add more right now, when layoffs are coming????
Posted by ntz143 (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree we need to improve/ad facilities that could possibly be income generating properties. But I also think that the issue recreation has more to do with lack of scheduled activities by the Recreation Department. If you look at other towns of comprable size, their rec dept. offers all kinds of programs, from day camps to arts and crafts to activities for special needs. A great majority of our kids don't play tennis or baseball/softball. They do, however, enjoy rollerskating, skateboarding, cheerleading, volleyball, etc. Why can't the rec department create progams for those types of activities? My other question is this...we are using taxpayers $$ to fund this...how will the T.M. Jennings league benefit? I have NEVER understood why we have two baseball leagues and two youth basketball leagues.... maybe this committee needs to work on developing affordable community recreation that EVERYONE uses...
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on September 20, 2009 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Interesting, isn't it.
A politician's power is spending money. Of course, his/her spending comes from money out of the taxpayers pocket.
He/she just has to convince the electorate that they know more about our needs than we do. Kind of a damn shame, isn't.
Someone asked me sometime back why I did not run for local office. My answer was quit terse. "I refuse to promise something on the taxpayer's dime"!
Posted by do_it (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The recreation complex is a splendid idea as long as it benefits everyone in the community. If it means raising taxes so be it that's how we pay for everything. Taxation without representation, is not fair government spending, let's make sure everyone is represented. What about a swimming pool, and I too am wondering how will T.M. Jennings fit into this picture? the basketball league? little league football? But as a parent, who has traveled extensively, with sports(track & baseball),I can honestly say the revenue is there. The exposure for the kids will be phenomenal. I am no POLITICIAN, but I believe it is time for a recreation complex. If I can be of any service, I am ready.
Janice Davis
Posted by spike (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The recreation complex or sports complex is missing a few things. Where are the basketball courts, the playgrounds, a pavilion for people to come out and BBQ or enjoy the day out of the sun and away from the house? There should be a place where people that don't want to be outside can go and have something to do for recreation. What about the swimming pool, I thought swimming was recreation also?
Also lets throw the names Dixie Youth, T.M. Jennings, and Soccer fields out and use Natchez Recreation Facility, because this project suppose to be for everyone in the community. Natchez needs to find away to work and play together instead of dividing the community apart.
Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Brilliant Idea:
why not use the existing hole in the ground at the Duncan Park pool and put a new pool right where the old one sits?
Posted by Pluto (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I thought Natchez and Adams county didn't have enough money as is, how can they even think of tackling this complex --wonderful as it would be-- without the money? They already can not lower the millage, so we will already be paying more with the increase in property taxes. I can't see how this complex could even get off the ground without huge tax increases on us all. We can't even maintain what we've got already, the Democrat just reported huge budget CUTS in recreation. As good as this would be and as great as it would be for our future children, it will only leave this city with even more debt that those children will one day be saddled with themselves.
Posted by eagleX2 (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We need a natatorium complex with indoor and outdoor pools! Year round swim meets, parties, lessons, exercise, and relaxation. Rain or shine, day or night. That's the only way I'll vote for it.
Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"We need a natatorium complex with indoor and outdoor pools! Year round swim meets, parties, lessons, exercise, and relaxation. Rain or shine, day or night. That's the only way I'll vote for it."...
Then that ain't $5.4 million.
Posted by natcheznurse (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 8:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As far as a Natatorium goes, that would be a wonderful addition. Not only is swimming the best exercise, knowing how to swim can SAVE LIVES! Too many people in this area don't know how to swim and there is nowhere for them to learn properly. The natchez swim team is a wonderful sports activity for the kids all year long but they have to practice in the senior center. That pool is only 20yards long. The kids compete in a pools that are 25 to 50 yards long. Can you imagine practicing in something and then having to compete in a pool much larger? The swim team never gets any credit for anything and its about time they get some recognition and a facility to be proud of. As a child I swam and miss it to this day. I had so much fun going to swim meets all over the state. We use to have our own meet here in natchez at Duncan park. Anyway, Cleveland, MS has a beautiful Natatorium at delta state. Of course we don't need an thing that extravagant. I also remember in Jackson they had an outdoor pool but they had a giant "bubble" over it for the winter months. Anyway, my point is we need a decent pool so people can learn to swim and even for adults who know how but would love a place to swim laps. It is the best exercise. I wonder if a grant could be found since Mississippi leads the country in obesity.
Posted by niderbip (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 8:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The city couldn't afford to keep the old pool open. They can't afford to have the grass cut at the existing ball fields.
Maybe i can get a grant to pay my taxes.
When you can't maintain what you have, only a fool would build more.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on September 20, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
niderbip, the BOA has never suffered from lack of ego. Ego (ignorance) got them in trouble and ego may keep them in trouble.
Posted by chazbo4 (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
altho my kids are grown? and moved(lack of work) I think that several of you have wonderful ideas. do not stop with the softball and tennis idea but something for all the kids.
kids that hunt,fish, and play sports are less likely to get involved with drugs. it is more than just about sports,it is an investment in ours and our kids future.not a cure all but certainly a start. i will vote yes!!!!
Posted by Greenfields (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 10:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
adult softball field?? there are only a handful of things that are more pathetic than adult softball I will vote NO
Posted by Crakalakin (anonymous) on September 21, 2009 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I love these comments! Keep 'em coming. Sounds like children sitting on Santa's Lap. LOL
Posted by natcheznurse (anonymous) on September 21, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
wasn't there talk one time about a YMCA coming to town?
Posted by InsidersView (anonymous) on September 21, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Get real people. The city cant keep city goverment open, let alone an indoor pool or a rec center. Remember the big YMCA that was supposed to come here? What happend with that? I'll tell you what happened, it cost money to bring it here and the city couldnt or wouldnt put it up. After tomorrow the citizens of natchez are going to find out that theres nobody there to do the work anyway. From what I hear there are going to be about $1mil in layoffs. Whole departments are going to be eliminated. As it is the city cant keep the grass cut and maintain what is has let alone a brand new facility.
Posted by tc23 (anonymous) on September 21, 2009 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have lived in natchez for over 30 years now.Growing up here was hard,and having nothing to do made it harder.Most of my friends i growed up with are either dead or in prison.I could remeber when we were passing by that field we would always say natchez needs to build a sports complex in that field.We would say the grown ups always saying we are a lost generation but yet they want give us anything to do.This town sucks everthing we do is separate ,church,sports,prom night.I think this complex would be great if our motives where in the right direction.think about 2 tennis courts 2 soccer fields 2 softball fields this is only ducan park all over again sounds like a upgrade.that cost 5.4 million dollars.I have been involved with recreation for 10years,i have traveled to texas,florida,indiana,neworleans,and memphis+a host of others.I have never seen a sports complex with out basketball courts or a football field.I dont apologize this is crazy who plays tennis,who plays soccer,who take natural trails it does not take a rocket siciencist to figure this out.
Posted by LOVESNATCHEZ (anonymous) on September 22, 2009 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was just informed that the mock up on this complex has the soccer field where the NATCHEZ HIGH BAND practices. Are they just being kicked out? And please don't say find another place to practice; there isn't one.
Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on September 22, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can anyone name just one child that wanted to play Dixie baseball that was turned away because there wasn't any room left on a team for them to play? The schools already provide most types of sports and yet this doesn't seem to keep them off the streets. The most vocal supporters of this complex seems to be the ones that choose to participate in tournament teams. That is your personal choice.
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