I9 Sports asks Harrison County to reduce facility fees for June youth camps; board asks for MOU and legal review

LaMarcus Oganz (introduced as area developer for I9 Sports) told the Harrison County Board of Supervisors that his nonprofit runs youth sport programs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and asked the county to reduce or waive facility rental fees for June youth camps so programs could be more affordable.

Oganz said the organization would provide staffing, insurance, certified coaches and equipment, and proposed reduced fees so the cost per camper could drop from $8 to $5; he also said I9 Sports can offer scholarships to low-income children and would coordinate meal access with the county school district during June. "We actually started having our new sport programs...and the goal is to lower the cost from $8 to $5 per camper," he said.

Board members said they could not approve a fee waiver without a written agreement and legal review. One supervisor asked whether the county’s facilities policy allows paid programs to use county venues at reduced rates; county counsel was not present, and staff said they would need attorney guidance. The board asked Oganz to provide a proposed MOU and specifics on requested amounts, prior attendance numbers and scholarship plans. Oganz agreed to produce a written request with documented past participation and financial details.

A motion was made to take the request under advisement, and the board seconded and approved that motion. County staff will review the proposed MOU and consult the county attorney before the board considers any fee modification.

Next steps: Oganz will produce the requested MOU and documentation; staff will obtain legal advice and return with a recommendation.