The Wildwood Dixie Youth League got a reprieve from higher recreation fees so it can sponsor a fall baseball season.
Wildwood City Manager Jason McHugh said the higher fees will be reduced for the fall, but the league will have to pay them next spring.
Last month, several league board members told commissioners they hoped to organize a fall season but could not afford the new fees. They said that what had been a $950 cost rose to $4,000, although that figure was questioned by Mayor Ed Wolf.
League representatives did not speak at Monday’s meeting.
McHugh said city Recreation Director Dennis Andrews has been working with the league to find a solution.
“Ultimately, this is about the children,” McHugh said.
Earlier this year, Andrews was instructed by the commission to adjust recreation fees so they cover costs and are in line with other communities. Commissioners voted in February to lower fees for the Wildwood Community Center while raising them for sports facilities.
Commissioner Joe Elliott said the lower fees for the fall should be extended to other groups.
“I just wonder if there are other users who would benefit from a grace period,” he said. “We can expect to see some additional requests.”
Andrews said soccer leagues have not requested discounts, but he agreed with Elliott.
“If we are giving it to one, we probably should have it apply to all,” he said.
Wolf said league officials may have to readjust their budget because fewer children are available to participate, adding that Wildwood Middle High School had just 60 graduates this year.
“They’re going to have to do some things to cut some costs,” he said.
