By Gary Lloyd
HOMEWOOD — The Jefferson County Board of Education last week approved a bid for the installation of artificial turf on the football field at Cougar Stadium on the Clay-Chalkville High School campus.
Shaw Sports Turf was the lowest responsible bidder with a bid of $480,000. The total cost of the project is $516,664.51 and will be equally divided between the city of Clay and the Jefferson County Board of Education.
The agreement is contingent on the city of Clay paying its half up front, interim Superintendent Bobby Neighbors said.
“I think this works out well,” Neighbors said.
The Clay City Council in May voted to enter into a facilities use agreement with the Jefferson County Board of Education, in which the city would provide up to $265,000 — roughly half the cost of new field turf — in exchange for usage of all school sports facilities through June 30, 2029. The board of education last week approved the intergovernmental agreement. The new field could be completed in early to mid August. Clay-Chalkville’s first home football game is scheduled for Aug. 29 against Minor.
Under the agreement, Clay would also save on various rental fees. Through the previous agreement, city officials could request the use of school facilities, such as gyms and fields for recreational use, a sometimes time-consuming task. The city was also responsible for paying rent for the use of those facilities. Councilman Kevin Small estimated that the city would save more than $150,000 in fees from basketball alone by entering into this agreement. This means that, for the city, a new field could pay for itself in less than two years. The city will still be responsible for the electricity used for events.
Board President Jennifer Parsons it’s always good when the school system and cities work together.
“It’s a win-win for our kids,” she said.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.