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A Mt. Lebanon commissioner's steadfast stance on wanting users to share in the $2.5 million cost to build new athletic fields helped derail a plan to fund the project earlier this week.

A motion to approve a $2.9 million bond issue for various capital projects failed by a 3-2 vote at a commission meeting Monday. Four votes were needed to pass the measure.

"I can't vote on this issue at the present time," Commissioner David Humphreys said. "I think Mt. Lebanon needs these fields but I think the user groups should pay 20 percent of this. This is going to have to wait until they agree to raise that money."

The new fields would be built on 23.5 acres the municipality purchased last year for $1.8 million.

While Bruce Fisher, president of the Mt. Lebanon Youth Sports Alliance, which represents 8 to 13 sports associations in the municipality, indicated late last month the youth groups might be willing to help fund the project, Humphreys said he has received no commitment. Fisher said the alliance had recently earned tax-exempt status allowing them to raise funds and has been evaluating the commissioner's request.

"They claim they have over 4,000 members. Most of these households spend $500 or $600 a year on cable television which makes their children more like couch potatoes and shortens their attention spans," Humphreys said. "This would require money from them on a one-time basis and would relieve the taxpayers of the burden from paying 100 percent of the cost."

Commissioner Barbara Logan, who also voted against the bond issue, expressed disappointment there had been no commitment from users.

"I think to wait until the night of the vote on the bond issue and still to have not heard from people about any kind of goodwill assurances is very disappointing to me," Logan said.

Fisher could not be contacted for comment.

Logan was also concerned about security issues and wanted to see a detailed plan for the design, operations and maintenance.

"I don't agree with their thoughts," commission President Ty Ely said. "We had a number of projects in the municipality and have not asked for this kind of contribution from anyone. Yes, it would be nice, but they don't have that type of cash lying around."

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