TUSTIN : Council Rejects Privatizing Softball

The idea of privatizing Tustin’s adult softball program was not a big hit with City Council members this week.

The council voted 4 to 1 Monday to keep the popular sports program under the control of city staff members, rather than explore having an outside contractor manage leagues and tournaments.

“The kids will have no place to practice” if a private company is in charge of the softball fields, Councilman Jim Potts said.

Councilwoman Tracy Worley was also concerned that the city would lose control of field use if softball were “reduced to a business.”

Only council member Jeffery M. Thomas wanted to investigate privatization. A properly worded contract would ensure that the city retained control of field usage, he said. And if the city could reduce expenses by hiring a private firm, “everybody would win.”

Adult softball is already a moneymaker for the city.

A report by the Community Services Department indicates that during the 1993-94 fiscal year, the city earned nearly $25,700 on the softball program at Columbus Tustin Park. Additional revenue is expected when Tustin Sports Park opens next April. The new park will have three softball fields.