Sturtevant Exploring Revenue Sources to Avoid Cuts to Parks Budget

While the state budget waits for Governor Scott Walker's signature, Sturtevant trustees are exploring options for closing the village's budget gap from reduced state shared revenue.

The Parks Department could have one-third of its funding cut as those monies are directed elsewhere. To offset that change and to bring in more money, trustees are going to work with Stephanie Waiss and Sturtevant Youth Baseball to gather information about hosting tournaments, adult softball leagues and whether or not the village's fee schedule is getting in the way.

"We need to market our ball diamonds for other leagues and tournaments," said Trustee Linda Busha, head of the Community Events, Beautification and Cultural Committee.

Currently, a member of the Public Works Department mows the grass on the fields and helps keep the dirt raked, but his time and attention are needed elsewhere in the village. 

"What we need are more parents and volunteers to help keep the fields up," said John Johnson. His dad used to bring Johnson to the fields when Johnson was a boy so the two of them could drag the infield, care for the bases, and stripe the foul lines.

The committee did not set a deadline for presenting information.