Correct solution

While the issue of how to pay for operational costs for the Scharbauer Sports Complex was not resolved by the City Council on Tuesday, we think the correct solution is within sight and we applaud the spirit of cooperation by all concerned as we work through this problem.

By Midland Reporter-Telegram

While the issue of how to pay for operational costs for the Scharbauer Sports Complex was not resolved by the City Council on Tuesday, we think the correct solution is within sight and we applaud the spirit of cooperation by all concerned as we work through this problem.

What needs to be resolved is the funding of operational costs, which have been covered by using the city's reserve fund since the operations began in 2002. The council basically directed city staff to use the general fund reserve to alleviate the $2.643 million cash deficit in the sports complex operating budget through Sept. 30.

The council will still have to vote on how future operating deficits will be funded. We did hear some good news in that regard from Mayor-elect Wes Perry, who said he wants a plan that would not use 4B tax money. He favors paying operational costs as a budgeted item in the city's budget. We fully agree.

Perry will assume the role as mayor in January as will two new council members. It will be up to the new council to resolve the funding issue.

We think it is important, however, that the 4B tax be allowed to expire when the stadium building debt is retired. We realize that keeping that tax for operational needs is an enticing possibility, but that is not what citizens voted for. Any other use of that money should be voted on by citizens. The operational costs of approximately $700,000 should be absorbed within the framework of the city budget just as with all city parks.

Currently, the complex is set to be paid off in 2016.

Everyone close to the complex operations has shown a spirit of willingness to search for ways to reduce the operational deficit. We hope that spirit continues into the new year because the taxpayers deserve realistic operational costs.

The best way to do that is to have those costs as a line item in the city budget.