BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
The City of Wetumpka has released an official statement regarding the recent discussions with the Wetumpka Youth League. In that statement, the city says there were concerns regarding the League subleasing fields to for profit businesses without the city’s permission. The League is able to use the Wetumpka Sports Complex at no charge, but they do not have the authority to lease fields to anyone, the statement says.
Below is the complete release from the City of Wetumpka. We are reaching out to board members and participants of the WYL for comments. We will update this article if we are successful.
If what the city is reporting is accurate, it would make some sense to those who questioned the timing of the city’s decision to shut out the WYL mid-season, and just before the mid-season tournament.
In a meeting Sunday between city officials, the City Attorney and board members, an amicable agreement was made to continue the season. The city released the statement below this afternoon.
FROM THE CITY OF WETUMPKA
The City of Wetumpka has been working diligently with the Wetumpka Youth Baseball & Softball League (the “League”) to address concerning activities that it has been made aware of during this year’s youth baseball and softball season. The League is a non-profit organization under Alabama law. Private entities are not allowed to make a profit through the use of Public facilities.
The City became aware that the Wetumpka Youth Baseball & Softball League was subleasing the fields to a for-profit business group without the City’s knowledge or permission. In response, the City requested financial disclosures from the League to assess the situation and to address the legality of the League’s conduct.
The City provides the Baseball and Softball Complex for use by the League so that the youth in Wetumpka have a venue to play ball. The City maintains the ballfields and pays all the utility expenses at a cost of approximately $350,000.00 per year. The volunteers who operate the League are to operate under City guidelines.
At a meeting last Sunday, the League assured City Officials and the City Attorney that no money was being paid to a for-profit entity, period. On Monday, the League advised the City Attorney that this representation was untrue.
At the Sunday meeting, the League also assured City Officials that it would provide certain agreed upon financial records by the end of the day on the following Monday. Most of those records have not yet been provided.
The City has a duty to ensure that all City property, which has been paid for by taxpayer dollars, is used for its citizens and does not benefit private entities. Section 94 of the Constitution of Alabama prohibits the City to lend its credit, or to grant public money or thing of value in aid of, or to, any individual or private association and is designed to prevent expenditure of public funds in aid of private individuals and corporations.
At this time, all softball and baseball activities will continue as scheduled for the remainder of the regular season and through All Stars. Following the completion of the season, the City of Wetumpka will assess the need for future changes to the operation of the League.
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
The City of Wetumpka has released an official statement regarding the recent discussions with the Wetumpka Youth League, it alleges there were concerns regarding the League subleasing fields to for profit businesses without the city’s permission. The League is able to use the Wetumpka Sports Complex at no charge, but they do not have the authority to lease fields to anyone, the statement says.
Below is the complete release from the City of Wetumpka. We are reaching out to board members and participants of the WYL for comments. We will update this article if we are successful.
If what the city is reporting is accurate, it would make some sense to those who questioned the timing of the city’s decision to shut out the WYL mid-season, and just before a huge tournament which began this week.
FROM THE CITY OF WETUMPKA
The City of Wetumpka has been working diligently with the Wetumpka Youth Baseball & Softball League (the “League”) to address concerning activities that it has been made aware of during this year’s youth baseball and softball season. The League is a non-profit organization under Alabama law. Private entities are not allowed to make a profit through the use of Public facilities.
The City became aware that the Wetumpka Youth Baseball & Softball League was subleasing the fields to a for-profit business group without the City’s knowledge or permission. In response, the City requested financial disclosures from the League to assess the situation and to address the legality of the League’s conduct.
The City provides the Baseball and Softball Complex for use by the League so that the youth in Wetumpka have a venue to play ball. The City maintains the ballfields and pays all the utility expenses at a cost of approximately $350,000.00 per year. The volunteers who operate the League are to operate under City guidelines.
At a meeting last Sunday, the League assured City Officials and the City Attorney that no money was being paid to a for-profit entity, period. On Monday, the League advised the City Attorney that this representation was untrue.
At the Sunday meeting, the League also assured City Officials that it would provide certain agreed upon financial records by the end of the day on the following Monday. Most of those records have not yet been provided.
The City has a duty to ensure that all City property, which has been paid for by taxpayer dollars, is used for its citizens and does not benefit private entities. Section 94 of the Constitution of Alabama prohibits the City to lend its credit, or to grant public money or thing of value in aid of, or to, any individual or private association and is designed to prevent expenditure of public funds in aid of private individuals and corporations.
At this time, all softball and baseball activities will continue as scheduled for the remainder of the regular season and through All Stars. Following the completion of the season, the City of Wetumpka will assess the need for future changes to the operation of the League.
