The Clinton County Rec/Park Board held its regular meeting last Thursday, March 31 with seven members present. The number constituted a quorum since the board currently has 12 (of a total 15) active members serving.

Some of the discussions at the meeting pertained to park funding, both present and future, in lieu of a modest cut made by the county earlier last month in the current year’s budget.

Park Director Bobby Reneau said it was to his understanding that the park board would be included for funding in the county next 2011-12 fiscal year budget that becomes effective July 1 of this year. However, that will be pending on full fiscal court approval of the total budget which will be reviewed later this spring.

Board Chairman Chris Lovelace said that many people in the general public didn’t realize their tax dollars were going to help support the park, but noted the park was county owned.

Lovelace continued that each year that he paid his (county) taxes, that was his contribution towards the park and other services. He said “no one should pay to use the park,” noting as long as he had anything to do with the park board there would be no charge to the public for its use. He further added he hoped the park would be included for assistance in the county’s upcoming fiscal year budget.

It was also noted that even during the months of the off-season in the winter, electric bill charges totaled over $1,400.00. Further, the board’s finances prior to most recent donations were down to about $2,000.00.

The park board has received the $6,500 allotment made from the county budget for this year, as well as receiving a $5,000 donation from Equity Group. Those funds will help the park operate during its upcoming busiest spring and summer seasons.

Also, it was announced that Vince Ostertag had volunteered to take over the treasurer’s position on the park board, following the recent resignation of Charlotte Dalton, who had served for the past few years as the board treasurer.

Ostertag presented the financial report to the board at the start of last week’s meeting.

Several other items of business were discussed, including a buildings and grounds update from director Reneau and discussion on what to do with the small buildings at the playground area. Those older buildings have become a place where graffiti has become the norm in recent years, causing concern to park board members and the public.

Some suggested keeping the building and painting over the writings but others felt the graffiti and other problems associated with them would just be recurring events and the buildings should be removed.

Board Chairman Lovelace said he would be in favor of getting rid of the buildings if the board could come up with something else to replace them with and no official action was taken last week.

Becky Means, who is also on the Albany Little League Board, noted that only 83 children had signed up for little league going into last Saturday’s (April 2) final sign-up date. Around 250 children signed up a year ago for Little League.

Most board members agreed that due to so many other activities, including sporting activities that go on almost year-round is beginning to put a damper on the number of children who participate in the local little league program.

Means also stated that although the entry fees per child sounds high, Clinton County’s is still lower than any little league program in the area but also agreed the economy overall right now is making it harder for some parents to afford.

Little League opening day at Mountain View Park is scheduled for Saturday, April 16.

Reneau also announced that, when weather permits, the walking track will be expanded from behind the ball fields toward the middle school area, making it about a total mile walk. However, the current half-mile loop will still be in tack for those who wish to use the track that is now in existence.

The board also discussed the ongoing middle school softball games, a co-ed softball league for later this summer and fall. Reneau said he was working with new board member Randy Speck on possibly putting together a gospel music concert at the park something this spring.

The next regular meeting of the Rec/Park Board is scheduled for Thursday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the park and is open to the public.