Franklin County parents balk at increase in athletic fees

Louisburg, N.C. — Louisburg leaders, looking to raise revenues, have increased recreation fees for county residents who play in town sports leagues from $40 to $150.

Parents say the rising price means their young athletes will not be able to participate in popular programs.

Erin Kelley said her daughter, Madison, plays youth league basketball sponsored by Louisburg Parks and Recreation, in part, because the entry fee is inexpensive.

"Well, I guess we're not playing Louisburg sports anymore," Kelley said in considering the new fee.

"There will be a lot of kids that won't be able to play," Eugene Yarborough added.

Louisburg Mayor Karl Pernell noted that sports programs cost the town $194,000 per year.

"Seventy-five percent of the participants belong in the county or live in the county," he said. "We just felt like they need to pay their portion."

Town leaders asked the county commission for $133,000 to offset the costs, but so far, the county has not contributed any money.

Robert Lee Swanson, chairman of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, said Louisburg was too quick to raise fees to an "excessive" level.

"I'm not happy at all, and none of the board of commissioners are happy about it," he said.

He said that when county and town leaders get together to discuss the request, he will suggest that county residents pay the same fee that city residents do, $20.

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Latest Comments

beachboater said: "The city is paying the bills with city taxes. The out of towners don't pay those taxes. ...

Ya gotta pay to play."

Well, let set payment like colleges - in state and out of state, except we have in city and out of city fee.

jockeyshiftspringer
January 28, 2009 11:15 a.m.

The county should not be in the recreation business, meaning they should not be handling baseball, softball, football leagues, etc but they should be able to provide the facilities (parks, gyms) for kids and adults to play. Let each town take care of the leagues. I was involved in recreation in the town back when Tony Robertson was town manager and recreation does not have to cost people this much. It can be self supporting if we have places to play. It's going to be hard to ask out of town business to sponsor a team when you are going to charge the child 150.00 fee to play. County needs to hire a recreation director that has the leadership abilities to work with Louisburg, Bunn, Franklinton, Youngsville, etc. so this county can have what it really needs. This is vital to our young people as well as the adults.

dpl06
January 28, 2009 7:47 a.m.

From 40 to 140 I would call that a little excessive, while this is for sporting activities I would ask what better for the county: Kids playing sport or kids joining gangs? The kids aren't going to stay home they will find something to do.

Bob3425
January 28, 2009 7:19 a.m.

I live in the city and have 2 childern. If my childern want to play in the city sports then the taxes I pay to the city and county should cover more than the county residents fees. I think the amount of the increase is a bit steep and think the county should pay some into the program to help offset the cost. But county residents should still pay a higher fee to be in the programs. We as tax payers already pay too much for others that don't pay taxes but get to enjoy all types of benefits without cost, or at very reduced amounts.

mstrspydog
January 27, 2009 9:10 p.m.

Are you kidding me - I think you need to check again on the school providing physical education. If you think 3 months of Physical Education will give kids what they need you are mistaken.