Parks staff report unpaid league and tournament fees totaling tens of thousands

Parks staff reported the department has billed exclusive-use and user fees to multiple leagues and tournaments that remain unpaid, and staff outlined plans to change contract cycles to improve collections.

Russell Hooper told the committee that exclusive-use invoices include American Little League ($4,000), Clovis Baseball Association ($4,000), Clovis Softball Association ($10,000) and Clovis Girls Athletic ($6,000). "None have been paid for the last year," Hooper said while listing billed exclusivity fees and additional unpaid user and tournament fees. He added that the department sent new contracts late and that follow-ups have been made without full collection.

Committee members pushed for stronger enforcement; one commissioner recommended a firm policy: no new contract access until past-due invoices are paid. Hooper said staff are able to stop issuing new access and will escalate enforcement steps, and the committee asked staff to return with implementation guidance for withholding field access until debts are resolved.