County approves deal for ballpark

Document outlines creation, management of fund to help pay for PNG Field repairs

HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Blair County commissioners have approved a 10-page document outlining the creation and management of a fund to help pay for capital repairs to the Peoples Natural Gas Field stadium.

Based on previous discussions and decisions, the document puts the plan in writing and sets the wheels in motion for creation of a Ballpark Improvement Fund Committee that will review how much money is available and how it will be spent.

Members of the committee will include one representative each on behalf of the Altoona-Blair County Development Corp., the commissioners, Lozinak Professional Baseball, the Lakemont Partnership and the county Convention Center and Sports Facilities Authority.

In addition, ABCD is expected to designate an ex-officio member to assist the committee by providing financial advice.

Logan Township will be entitled to designate a committee member if and when it scales back its amusement tax rate, allowing Lozinak Professional Baseball to realize a savings that it has pledged to contribute to the fund.

Decisions falling to this group will require four out of five votes or if the group expands to seven, then six out of seven votes.

Commissioner Terry Tomassetti, who worked on the agreement on behalf of the county, said the vote requirement reflects a desire for the committee to reach a consensus on the proposed improvements.

The group is expected to meet at least twice a year and discuss proposed improvement plans for the stadium that would be viewed as capital expenses, such as the purchase and installation of a new elevator, field lighting, field replacement, replacement of the ticket booth and a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.

The agreement sets a starting date of Dec. 1, 2016, with promised annual payments expected to be provided annually before the anniversary date in each of the next 10 years.

As stated in the agreement, Lozinak Professional Baseball pledged $60,000 annually, Lakemont Partnership pledged $25,000 annually and that the convention center and sports facilities authority has pledged $20,000 annually. The county's commitment of bed tax revenue is expected to add to about $176,000 in 2017.

The agreement also recognized Lozinak, Lakemont Partnership and the authority for already rendering their respective amounts for 2016, prior to the signing of the agreement. That money was used to cover the cost of dugout step repairs, a boiler purchase, a roof and a gas heater. In addition, ABCD forwarded $40,000 to the fund, which it received this year from the county to use toward economic development.

The county is not obligated to offer bed tax revenue until 2017.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.