Imagine the surprise when each Knox County Middle school football team in Knox County has paid anywhere from $500 – $1000 dollars to KCS for the field rentals/custodian/security for football games per year. These are kids that play at fields of their own school, their own parents communities. They are not travel teams or recreation sport teams.
My sources, informed me that this year KCS informed the groups that they did a state-wide study and because of the results they have increased the schools community user fees. Of course, I requested the state-wide study, what I received was a rate/information sheet reportedly from Sevier County, Williamson County, Anderson County, Blount County (actually are who have blessed us with Duncan and Sons Janitorial beginning Wednesday. Maryville City actually not Blount Co). There are 95 counties and more than 125 school districts in the State of Tennessee and taking a sampling from four is NOT (in my humble opinion) a state-wide survey.
I am attaching the new rate sheet (kudos at least it looks professional) and the old rate sheet (not so professional looking)
My sources tell me that one organization paid $510 to KCS last year and this year the new prices would cause them to pay $7,420-$8,810 depending on how many games are played. Half of that cost is because the new rates charge per hour to practice on a grass field, in which most cases are open to the public. My source also informed me there are only two counties in the state that are not sanctioned. Knox County is one of the two
Apparently the Board Of Education did not have to approve such increase to the fees so it was not brought to the boards attention. Also, the fields are the property of Knox County, thus the Knox County Commission and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs should have to have approved it as Knox County Commission must approve everything else Knox County Schools approves. I am told that Mayor Jacobs and at least one Knox County Commissioner has been made aware of this situation.
Keep in mind, that these increases will affect all sports because they also incorporated in the increased prices gyms, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, soccer fields, tracks and any mowed fields. It also includes classrooms, vocational shops, cafeteria and commons area.
I am told that this all got worse since the youth teams left Knox County Parks and Recreation (KCPR). KCPR tried to charge the youth to practice at public parks and that was quickly overturned by Mayor Jacobs. Now what will Knox County or the Knox County School Board do? Will they side with the public or will they allow KCS to charge astronomical amounts to families just so their kids can play sports. The schools do not get the fees the parents pay, they go straight to Knox County. These organizations have not had an opportunity to adjust their fees to reflect the increased fees being given to them by Knox County Schools.
This is like the Concord Yacht Club (last month on Knox County Commission agenda) times 130 plus school facilities.
Knox County Schools sent me the 12 year difference in utility charges for Christenberry Elementary School as an example.
Electric Charge from $15 to $98; Electric Demand (per kW) $13.03 to $14.37 Electric (per kW above 15,000) $0.04941 to $.0.07202 $5.30 to $31.00 increase
Natural Gas (G4 rate) Customer charge $5.30 to $31.00 increase, Gas (per therm, below 250) $1.1759 to $1.3821
Water Customer Charge $130.00 to $301.00 increase Consumption (per ccf) $2.14 to $5.80 increase
Wastewater Customer Charge $136 to $279 Disposal (per ccf) $6.12 to $11.90
Fire Protection (per 6 inch service) NEVERMIND Christenberry is in the City and it is provided by the City (but let’s play the silly game) $63 to $214
Outdoor Lighting (per light) Monthly $11.60 to $15.91
NOW Keep in mind, Knox County Schools wants to justify an increase on a twelve year utility increases. These kids playing middle school ball today, were just being born.
