Midland City wants help with light bill

MIDLAND CITY — After more than two decades of negotiations with towns that use a county-owned ballpark in Midland City, officials here say it’s time to make some changes in who pays the bills.

City council members unanimously approved sending a letter to towns asking for help with paying for at least the ballpark light bill, which runs more than $600 a month.

Midland City Mayor Virgil Skipper said the city is the only one responsible for paying all bills at the ball park, including water and garbage, although towns including Newton, Pinckard, Napier Field and Grimes have students who play at the park.

The park is the only certified ballpark in the area and is owned by Dale County, Skipper said.

“This town cannot afford to keep this up. Somebody is going to have to step up to the plate and help Midland City,” Skipper said.

“Sometimes, there are tournaments there where Midland City children might not even be participating, yet Midland City is financing the whole thing. Every child out there, their parents are contributing about $95 a child. We just don’t know where the money is going.”

Skipper suggested looking into funds taken up during concessions at the ball park and looking at other towns to get support.

Council member Dennis Matthews agreed.

“When you add the kids from at least three of those towns, it’s probably as many as play for Midland City,” he said.

“ … This city has to pay a light bill minimum every month, even if there’s no activity there.”

In other business, the council unanimously approved moving forward in sewer and well repairs in the city.