The Rossville City Council has voted to suspend the Rossville Athletic Association’s agreement to run the city’s recreational programs, citing concerns about the association’s insurance coverage and nonprofit status.
The association had a long-term agreement to manage the city’s ball field. Questions have arisen about the association’s use of the ball field for for-profit tournaments hosted by the nonprofit’s president’s husband, Robert Blakemore, a county commissioner who works as Rossville’s public works director.
“I’m not trying to be the bad guy here or shut any one down permanently,” said Jonathan Lassetter, city council member, at Monday night’s meeting. “As an elected official, my primary goal is to protect the city and fulfill my responsibility to the citizens.”
The agreement’s suspension passed 3-2. The yes votes were Lassetter, and council members Erica Harris and Jarret Lassetter, Jonathan Lassetter’s son. The no votes were Mayor Hal Gray and council member Todd Franklin.
(BACKGROUND: Rossville’s setup for gym, ball fields comes under scrutiny)