Youth baseball league asks Gardner City for help with a $2,800 irrigation bill and $100,000-plus field upgrades

At Gardner City's Nov. 25 meeting, the president of Champions League Baseball and Softball asked the council to help cover an irrigation bill of roughly $2,800 and described a plan for larger field upgrades that he said would cost more than $100,000.

Speaking to the council, the league president said the field at 100 Mechanics Street (Salvador Field) has been renovated with new irrigation and other improvements funded largely by volunteers and sponsors. "Our field requires lighting, which is critical for practices and games during early spring, an upgrade that will cost over $100,000," he said. The president also told the council the league achieved nonprofit status and currently has about 40 local business sponsors whose signs are displayed at the field.

Councilors and staff discussed whether public funds could be used to offset a nonprofit's utility bill. A staff speaker said the city has not historically deducted charges for nonprofit organizations and recommended consulting the city solicitor about whether any relief using public funds would be permitted. "If it is allowed, then you put a cap on it," a staff member said during the exchange.

The league president said losing $2,800 would eliminate several sponsors and hamper the league's operating budget; he urged the council to consider support or guidance. There is no record in the transcript of a formal motion, vote or commitment of funds during the meeting.