A concerned citizen addressed the Rushville Parks & Recreation Board this week with an issue regarding the Adult Softball League. A request was made for more accountability for those persons handling league funds.

A copy of the signed contract for use of the ball field north of Rushville Consolidated High School was reviewed by the Parks Board. The document calls for league officials to report maintenance expenditures to the Parks Board before the funds are spent. This allegedly was not done during the 2008 season.

To provide for more accountability it was recommended that the Adult Softball League establish a board of past presidents, coaches and team representatives to set guidelines for overseeing the recreational program.

Parks & Recreation Director Danny Mathews offered to meet with the league board to assist with organizing the board.

The rest of the leagues are “doing good” in complying with the terms of the contract for the use of city property, according to Denny Corn, board president.

League presidents will be asked to attend the April meeting of the Parks Board to sign the lease agreements for the 2009 season.

In other business, Mathews reported the new heating system has been installed in the department’s office building at 119 W. 16th Street. He anticipates a savings of 50 percent on the gas bill. The $5,050 equipment was installed by J. R. Wortman Co. of Morristown. Funding was rolled over from last year’s budget.

The parks director encouraged board members to help with the annual Valentine Dance for local seventh- and eighth-grade students. This year’s event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Benjamin Rush Middle School cafeteria with music by Kevin Green and free refreshments. There’s no admission charge and compliance with the school dress code is expected.

Mathews expressed appreciation to the gracious donations from local businesses for the annual dance.

No other activities are scheduled at this time but the department is looking forward to spring.

“I’m excited about the new year, about getting started with everything,” Mathews said.

Jan Voiles can be contacted at jan.voiles@rushvillerepublican.com or at (765) 932-2222 ext. 107. Add a comment to this story at www.rushvillerepublican.com.