PHOENIX, AZ – Like many areas of the country, the City of Phoenix has been hit hard by the recession with less revenue from sales taxes and shared revenue from the state available to provide the services that residents depend on. City staff proposed budget cuts of $140 million that included the elimination of almost 1,400 city jobs with reduction in services affecting all residents--Public Safety (Fire and Police), Transportation, Libraries, Community Centers, Senior Centers, Youth Programs, and Parks. Three of the sports complexes that host many of the softball tournaments--Desert West, Papago, and Rose Mofford--were recommended for closure and the citywide softball program would be eliminated.
The Phoenix City Council explored other alternatives to keep from having such drastic cutbacks and to maintain the quality of life in Phoenix. On February 2nd, the City Council adopted a 2 percent tax on food (that will sunset in five years) and employee labor groups have agreed to 3.2 percent wage and benefit concessions. Along with some other measures focused on innovation and efficiency, the amount of the deficit was reduced to a more manageable level. Fifteen budget hearings were held during February throughout the city for the community to hear about the proposed solutions and to voice their concerns about cuts to programs affecting them.
The Softball Community--players, coaches, directors, families, etc.--attended many of the meetings to make sure that the City Council’s decision took into account the wide range of interaction that Softball has with the City of Phoenix. Tournaments bring in players from many of the surrounding cities as well as other states, so that the revenue from a tournament is not limited to the fees paid. Many of the businesses in Phoenix--especially restaurants and hotels--benefit from the tournaments and pay sales taxes to the city, almost $1 million in 2009 according to Parks Department figures.
Some possible areas discussed for increasing the city’s revenue to keep the fields open and properly maintained included charging admission fees, increased rental fees, and sponsorships. A proposal submitted by Bobby Peña, Director of Triple Crown Sports, calls for a surcharge of $50 per team for Youth tournaments and $25 per team for Adult tournaments. The admission charge at the gate is no longer being considered, but groups are meeting to arrange sponsorships.
On March 2nd, the Phoenix City Council voted to approve the new budget that was able to maintain many of the services originally slated to be cut. Some cuts still had to happen and some jobs were eliminated, but with the emergency food tax, many vital services were restored. With the measures taken, all the softball fields will still be available for team practice and tournaments; and the citywide softball program will continue.
Before the final vote at the March 2nd meeting, Councilman/Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski admitted to not having previously known about the impact of the Softball tournaments on the city and the individuals involved. A presentation made at Cesar Chavez High School at the Community Budget Meeting on February 23rd by Arizona Power 18U player Bianca “Boo” Vallejo expressed it well:
“From a player’s (and future coach’s) perspective I would like to point out the positives of playing on these fields:
• Community Involvement- we participate in events that support local charities, host clinics that teach local youth groups the basic fundamentals of softball.
• We teach young athletes a positive attitude, and give them hope for a future.
• Keeps kids off the street, the time we put into our sport does not leave much for a social life. I can speak for many girls; we have missed dances, proms and social events because we have made the decision to pursue our dreams.
• College Education-local and national colleges use these fields to evaluate and recruit players for their programs. This could mean a full scholarship and give someone the opportunity to further their education. Without scholarships many girls will not go to college.
• RESPECT-This game has taught us to respect our families, teammates, coaches and the community.
• Friendships-I have met many of my closest friends on these fields, if we had not been playing on these fields we may have never met. I have met girls from within the state and as far away as Canada.
• Dreams and Goals-as a young player we would play on the smaller parks, the dream was to one day play at these larger parks at a higher level. For me that time is now, I would hate for some little girl not to have the opportunities I have had.
• Family-every weekend involves hundreds of families, a reunion of sort. We see parents and players, coaches and umpires that we have met over the years. This bond to Our Softball Family starts on these fields and continues with every new team.”

None of the meetings were fun, but with the budget resolved, everyone can get back to playing Softball.
PLAY BALL!!