By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Over 100 citizens crowded into the Henry County Commission meeting Tuesday night, with the great majority putting up their hands in support of the county approving the county school board’s request for changes in the budget to allow the installation of artificial turf at the high school stadium.
After short presentations by several citizens—both pro and con—the commission adopted the resolution, with two commissioners—Randy Gean and Drew Williams—voting against it.
After weeks of study, the school board Thursday night unanimously approved installation of synthetic turf at the Bill Hudson Football Field, a re-do of the track, and correction of drainage problems.
Since then, a Facebook campaign had started, urging citizens to attend the commission meeting to oppose the action.
During the citizens’ forum of Tuesday night’s meeting, David “Tater” Hayes said that Coach James Counce had called him about the issue. “It was an honor to talk to him and in the end, we agreed to disagree, but to know that someone has that much passion for something was unreal. From the taxpayer’s point, though, it seems to me that things are going on where the money could be spent a lot better.”
Mike Weatherford also opposed synthetic turf, saying, “You always hear we need to buy local and spend local and here we have a local business that offered to do something for our field and I’m just wondering if we have went through all the channels with the local guy.”
Bobby Milam said, “My direction to the commission would be to ask you if you had talked to your constituents and asked what their ideas were? I just want you to think about that when you’re ready to cast your decision. Just vote your conscience.”
Band Director Kyle Graves voiced his support for installation of synthetic turf, which he said would benefit ‘a multitude’ of students and programs. He noted that the band ‘for decades’ has not had a proper and reliable outdoor practice space.
In a show of hands, an overwhelming number of people in attendance were in support of synthetic turf.
County Mayor Brent Greer said to those in attendance, “It’s important for you to understand that the decision already was made last week by the school board. The school board was elected by the same people who elected this group. They’ve had several meetings. Really, we’ve been discussing this for over 2 ½ years. The school board made their decision last week and they did their due diligence.”
At last week’s meeting, Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins noted the project would be funded by using $757,000 from existing capital funds, plus a donation of $118,000 from the Quarterback Club. She noted this would leave $809,612 in existing capital funds.
Greer noted that the school board’s request “will not raise any new tax revenue. They’re asking us to move monies that are already in the school board fund. And, these are dedicated funds that can only be used for facilities.”
Dr. Watkins said the school board had discussed the issue over several work sessions and meetings. “The reason our board came to this decision is because we can serve more students this way. With synthetic turf we’ll have practically 365 days a year usage with no recovery time (for the grounds) between usages.”
Greer said it was great to see such a large crowd at the meeting to voice their opinions, which was echoed by Dr. Watkins, who said, “It’s great to see the people of Henry County so passionate about their school system.”
Photo: David “Tater” Hayes speaks at Tuesday night’s commission meeting. (Shannon McFarlin photo).