By Traci Chapman/Staff Writer

Proposals for a new multi-million dollar baseball complex in the city have hit roadblocks before. As a new $2.8 million bond issue moves toward an April ballot, some City Council members have questioned whether it is the right time to present the issue to voters.
Voters turned down a $4.5 million sports complex proposal in December 2006.

Mayor Jeff Landrith said he believes the proposal was rushed through Council and while he knows the proposed $5 million in road improvements to Czech Hall Road are necessary, he is not so sure the baseball complex needs to move ahead at the same time.

“I don’t think we’ve spent enough time on this issue,” he said. “I think I’m just more inclined from a voter perspective to find other alternatives. I just don’t think $3 million is an appropriate price tag.”

Ward 4 Councilman Keith Bryan has also expressed reservations about the timing of the proposal, although he said he doesn’t have a problem with the proposed $2.8 million cost for the baseball fields.

“I want to have new baseball fields,” Bryan said. “My concern is that people will tie the two separate issues — roads and baseball — together, and neither will pass as a result. We really need those road improvements.”

Landrith said should City Council approve a bond issue for new baseball fields now, he believes the plan could be cut by millions of dollars to decrease the amount requested.