DOTHAN, Ala. – for 30 years or more, the City of Dothan has supported its superior sports teams by footing the bill for their chance to compete at the next level.

Baseball, soccer, basketball and other teams from Dothan, often are so competitive that they hit, kick and shoot their way into regional and state tournaments.

These male and female athletes, who might be as young as 9 and as old as 18, have always had the travel, food and hotel checks picked up by the city, and thus the taxpayers, because it is understood they represent the community as goodwill ambassadors.

These current economic times, however, could end the long-held practice.

“We need to pay attention to where we are paying for lunches and travel for these kids, these students, we take on trips,” Commissioner John Craig said. “I am concerned the city can no longer afford to do this. I think this is something we need to look at.”Leisure Services Director Elston Jones heaved a sigh. He knew this day might come.

“I’ve been with the city 29 years and we’ve always done it,” he said of the trips, which might cost the city $1,000 or more. “It would be a sad day, but we all understand the state of the economy.”

Commissioner Keith Seagle also supported discontinuing funding the trips. Groups come to every commission meeting asking for funding for some project or cause.

“I think it also has to be reviewed,” Seagle said. “The elephant in the room is our financial situation, our revenues. we appreciate not having to lay off anyone, but we need to weigh are we going to lay off an employee to fund some of these nice-to-have things.”

Dothan City Commissioners discussed the issue during their Tuesday morning meeting, as they approved nine travel requests totaling nearly $7,800. the most expensive trip up for approval was a $2,874 trip for basketball teams to compete in Gadsden.

Two teams – 9-10 year old boys and 11-12 year old boys – will be going to the state basketball tournament March 12-14.

Jones said many cities do fund these trips for city teams, but smaller communities simply cannot.

“What’s bad is going to be the group that’s affected the first time they activate this new program,” Jones said of the probable changes. “Maybe they will consider doing this for calendar year 2011. we realize this costs money, but we understand and believe the public understands as well that these athletes represent the city.”

A travel request shows a registration fee of $200; food budgeted at $14.50 per day for 15 people for three days, totaling $652.50; fuel of $100 for a city vehicle; and $1,821.80 for lodging at $91.09 per night for two nights.

But those figures will be adjusted, as the number of people going is 30, not 15 as submitted documents stated. Also, the length of stay could change, depending on how well the teams do.

Twenty children will be going on the trip as student athletes; three coaches per team; one chaperon per team; and two city staffers – Tony Thorne, Wiregrass Recreation Center manager, and Chad Daniels, sports leader.

City Manager Mike West said he will discuss the issue with Jones before another city-funded athletic trip goes on the travel agenda for approval.

“Maybe all those who have received funds in the past, send them a letter that because of the economy, this will no longer be available,” Commissioner Paul Lee said.

Officials said as city sports teams have the opportunity to advance, parents need to be aware they may be asked to help pay for tournament expenses. Jones said the department might also be able to obtain corporate sponsorships.

Free ride could end for city recreation teams who advance