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Pickett County Commission will provide funds for five Pickett County High School cheerleaders to travel to Hawaii for national program.
But not without debate.
The county was asked to donate funds towards the cost of the athletes’ trip which totals about $3,000 per student. While the commission agreed it was an opportunity of a lifetime, some argued it could be setting a precedent for the future. Commissioner Deborah Garrett:
“I had donated some money, I don’t mind donating when children come and ask,” Garrett said. “But the next thing that comes up that kids are going to get an opportunity, are we going to give them the same amount of money? Are we setting a precedent here?”
Commissioner Tony Beaty said he would argue that the donation would be in line with actions the county already takes.
“We use taxpayer dollars for people to go the G and T to go to camp during the summer so I mean we donate money to the G and T for kids to go so why can’t parents pay for that,” Beaty said. “I mean if you want to sit here and set a precedent, we’ve already done it, we’ve already donated.”
The commission eventually voted to donate $1,000, or $200 per student, possibly using money from the county’s hotel/motel tax funds. Commissioners thought it could be possible since the donation will be put on t-shirts the cheerleaders will wear while traveling to Hawaii.
County Executive Stephen Bilbrey said he would look into that option to make sure it actually is a possibility.
