Walker County Commissioners tabled a scheduled vote Thursday night for approving an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Rossville, after city officials suspended a non-profit managing the department over financial concerns last month.
Three citizens spoke out on the topic in Thursday’s public forum session, all questioning the oversight of the Rossville Athletic Association, previously operating the Rossville Recreation Center on Williams Street and nearby fields.
Last month, Rossville suspended it’s agreement with RAA, over reported insurance lapses and questions of proper filings required of approved non-profit organizations,
One resident, business owner Melissa Hulsey, called for an independent audit of the RAA, as well as the Southern Softball Association.
Hulsey speculated on the financial relationships both entities have with District 1 Commissioner Robert Blakemore.
Both organizations reportedly operated out of the building.
Rossville native Jay Tankersley implored commissioners to help the cash strapped city, which Tankersley claims has suffered under 50 years of mismanagement.
Tankerlsey noted the value the recreation center has to the children living nearby, citing 87% who receive free or reduced meals at proximate elementary schools,
Commissioners Mark Askew and Brian Hart thanked those speaking on behalf of the children impacted, noting they will be remembered when the motion comes to a vote at the next scheduled commission meeting.
In other agenda items, the Commission unanimously approved a $38,600 contract with Newman & Son for exterior painting to the historic Marsh House in Noble.
Also approved, revising fees for the Walker County Planning Department to be in line with recently approved House Bill 461, a new state law requiring local governments to justify the breakdown of fees charged, and how the funds are utilized,
