The Cadiz-Trigg Tourist and Convention Commission unanimously approved two unique spending opportunities Tuesday afternoon, looking to bolster efforts of the popular “Hometown Heroes” banners project in Cadiz, and embracing some of the costs for a Turf Tank to be operated by the Trigg County Schools.
As the point man and ideologist, Magistrate Mike Wright spoke on behalf of Trigg Parks and Recreation — which, due to popularity, has opted to turn some capital toward efforts in providing more brackets to Pennyrile Electric poles for these banners.
Simply put, the demand has been so high, the City of Cadiz has run out of bracketed poles. Wright said the first go-round was “wildly successful,” as more than 110 were ordered and placed down Main Street. The cost then was $50.
When sales re-opened earlier this week, more than 80 were sold in 24 hours, and Wright told the Commission that more orders were likely on the way before the August 1 deadline.
Brackets on the new poles, however, aren’t free. They’re $63 each, despite some comparison shopping, and Wright noted that if 200 brackets are needed, the expansion of the project would be $12,600 for the brackets alone.
Wright said a conversation with Cadiz Mayor Todd King brought about the discussion of passing this cost along to those who purchased banners from this point forward, but all parties want that avoided.
Hence, Wright besought both his recreation board and local tourism for help.
Once believed to only be going down Main Street, Wright added that its possible banners may just go on as many empty poles as Trigg County can muster.
Wright noted he and Public Works Director Craig Oakley are going to take an inventory of the poles needed once orders are complete this year, in order to see how many pairs of brackets will be needed. The Cadiz-Trigg Commission approved Bill Stevens to match whatever funds Parks & Recreation doles to the project.
Meanwhile, Trigg County Athletic Director Matthew Wilder requested $4,000 annually for a five-year lease on a Turf Tank — which will serve as an automated and programmable painting system for Perdue Field and the school districts vast number of outdoor sporting facilities.
This includes the Trigg County Recreation Complex, home of many a Wildcat. Wilder said funds are already coming from Parks & Recreation, each high school and middle school outdoor program and a likely sponsorship from Wildcat Chevrolet. In exchange for the commission’s approval, Wilder said a “GoCadiz” logo would be painted on Purdue Field, a “GoCadiz” commercial would play frequently in Wildcat Gymnasium and a “GoCadiz” logo would be used on printed and digital athletic announcements.
Trigg County High School Principal Tim Bush and Wilder each said the Turf Tank system would save coaching staffs an inordinate amount of time.
Wilder said the Turf Tank machine could be bought outright for $60,000, but that option was not being sought at this time. He also noted that the district receives cost credits should the product get referred to other school systems, and he said Crittenden County Schools is exploring the option while Caldwell County Schools have already secured one.
The commission unanimously approved the $4,000 needed for this first year, with an option to review the cost each of the next four years.
In other commission news:
— Officials unanimously approved a proposed 2022-23 budget of $681,000, which includes an estimated $134,000 in transient room taxes, $471,000 in restaurant tax collections, a matching funds total of $9,500, an approved EDA grant of $12,500 and nearly $55,000 in carry over from checking and savings.
It also included a 5% cost-of-living raise for Cadiz-Trigg Tourism staff.
— John Oliphant was retained as treasurer and Deepak Patel was retained as chairman.
