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The city is still looking for more money for the Blue Jays training facility.
By LEON M. TUCKER
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 27, 2001
DUNEDIN -- The city struck out when it tried to cut back on extras to lower the cost to renovate the Toronto Blue Jays spring training facility.
It missed again when the Jays brushed off hints that the city wanted the team to kick in more to subsidize stadium improvements.
So Thursday, commissioners agreed to contribute another $500,000 to the project and are now turning to the state and county, where they hope to find another $1.5-million.
Despite securing $12-million in combined city, state and Pinellas County funds, Dunedin officials say they don't have enough money to complete all the renovations they promised the Jays. And because the city has spent more than $2-million on the project so far, there's no turning back.
"We can complete the project as outlined in the agreement," said John Lawrence, city manager. "It's just that the Blue Jays want enhancements and custom work."
At least $400,000 worth that have pushed the project over budget. The city hopes the additional $2-million will cover future, unforeseen costs.
Dunedin will find itself in a difficult position if it can't get the extra money from the county and state, said Mayor Tom Anderson.
Blue Jays officials have already agreed to cutbacks such as substituting real grass for the planned artificial turf and switching to metal lockers instead of the requested wooden ones, but they drew the line there.
The team has refused to negotiate on other items, such as a high-end scoreboard or decorative blocks for the stadium's outside walls, and doesn't appear to be open to additional bargaining.
"We are maxed out," said Ken Carson, director of Florida operations for the Jays. "This seems to be something the state, city and county have taken upon themselves; and I think that is good."
Last Friday, the city asked the state for the extra money and was told it would likely get it if it could find another $1-million to match it. That's why the city voted Thursday to give the extra $500,000. Now it will turn to the county for the rest.
County Commissioner Susan Latvala, who represents Dunedin, said the city has not approached the county for the money.
"We have not discussed it, so there is not a county answer," she said. "It has not formally come before us, so who's to say at this point -- the ball is in their court."
Whether or not the county approves Dunedin's request, City Commissioner John Doglione said the team should help cover additional costs.
"I think the Blue Jays have a vested interest in supporting this, so they should step up to the plate," he said. "We started this as a partnership. Wouldn't it be nice if it ended up as a partnership?"
City Commissioner Cecil Englebert disagrees. "We just need to get down to work and get this done," he said. "We will gain it all back over time as a revenue source from (the team) being here."
As the team and government leaders work out the details, some of the team's biggest Blue Jays fans admit they have become torn.
"I've always been very supportive of the Blue Jays," said Flip Donoghue, a Dunedin resident. "But ball clubs are asking too much when they pay these huge salaries to players and then they ask the cities to contribute so much."