Video: Proposal For Park And Recreation Operations Causes Dispute

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- A proposal to hire a consultant to examine the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority takes another twist.

Mayor Robert Smith wants to the city to be more involved in the process.

Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Harry Sanders sent a letter to county, city and recreation authority leaders announcing his plan last week.

Since then controversy has swirled around Sanders’ proposal.

“We have to be careful that this decision doesn’t devastate our community more than some of our communities have already been devastated,” said Lowndes County District 4 supervisor Jeff Smith.

Smith said he knows the importance parks and recreation has in a community.

He agrees parks need improving in the county. He’s also not opposed to board of supervisors president Harry Sanders’ idea to hire a consultant.

However, Smith wants the board to talk about ways to make improvements before hiring someone to do it for them.

“These are people that are tax payers, and I would say to Mr. Sanders that as a representative of the people, he has a right to acknowledge their concerns, but as a representative that serves on the board with four other gentleman.” said Smith. “I think we equally have an opportunity, should have an opportunity to sit down as a board and discuss the concerns so that we can move in the direction that best serves all citizens of Lowndes County.”

In a letter sent to area leaders, Sanders expresses concern he’s heard from voters in his district.

Sanders believes the consultant can bring ideas about how to keep the recreation authority competitive with neighboring communities, while being good stewards of tax payer dollars.

“I expect the student to evaluate the current CLRA operation, future opportunities, as well as the current inter-local agreement and provide recommendations for improvement in all areas for our citizens,” Sanders said in his letter.

“What are the problems, who is the problem, have we taken these problems to the foot of the people that are responsible for resolving those problems? These are the obvious things that you would think would be addressed before we go in that direction,” said Smith.

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith believes the city should have more of a role in hiring the consultant.

“If it’s an inter-local agreement between the city and county, why the city doesn’t have an opportunity to be apart of the process from the selection standpoint,” said Mayor Smith.

Mayor Smith wants the city council to approve a motion that would allow the city to pay for half of the cost of hiring a consultant.

He also wants both governmental boards to agree on the company. Smith believes the interviews for the hiring process should also be open to the public.

“If Mr. Sanders and majority of the board want to do what’s right and be transparent then lets take the pedal off the medal and lets all be apart of this process,” said Mayor Smith.

Sanders plans to present his proposal at the board of supervisors meeting Friday.

The city says a representative will be there to answer any questions concerning the mayor’s plan.

Smith will present his proposal at the next council meeting om June 21st.