Parents of approximately 300 children playing softball and baseball this spring, may notice an increase in fees when they sign up their athlete.
The LaFayette City Council recently voted in favor of upping the city’s recreation fee from $75 to $85 per participant.
“Everything’s been going up in price and so has our uniform cost,” said the program’s co-supervisor Debbie Baker.
The recreation fee goes toward a full uniform that covers everything kids need except shoes and a glove.
The fee does not cover umpire costs, facilities maintenance and other necessary items like balls and bats, Baker said.
“We don’t even break even a lot of times on this,” she said. “We’re here for the community and the children.”
Because of the fee increase and difficult economic times, Baker said there has been an effort from local business owners to sponsor children who want to play but can’t afford it. Michael Lovelady has organized the effort and so far as many as 73 children have been sponsored.
For more information about LaFayette Recreation, call City Hall at 706-639-1500.