City Of Newberry Evicting Elite Pro Ball Academy

NEWBERRY ‒ The City has noticed Elite Pro Ball Academy to vacate its baseball training facility at Easton Newberry Sports Comple. In May 2011, the City entered into an agreement with Elite Pro Ball Academy in which the City would provide land at its Easton Newberry Sports Complex for Elite Pro Ball to construct a baseball training facility. The agreement included an initial term of 20 years with options to renew for an additional 20 years. A condition of the agreement provided that Elite Pro Ball would pay ad valorem taxes on the business and the property.

According to the City of Newberry, the company failed to pay the taxes for several years. When the City became aware, it noticed Elite Pro Ball of its failure to pay the taxes and requested that they cure the default. The company failed to pay the taxes despite follow-up notices from the City requesting that the taxes be paid.

According to City Attorney Scott Walker, the company’s failure to cure the default within 30 days after proper notice is grounds for termination of the contract.

“Despite the City’s best efforts to work to resolve the issue,” said Recreation Director Travis Parker, “the company has refused to vacate the property. They are not paying rent and have recently paid some of the taxes owed, but still owe for one more year’s taxes.”

City Attorney Scott Walker said that the agreement calls for mediation and he has contacted Tommy Bond from Ocala to mediate the issue. Mediation fees range from $3,000 - $5,000, depending on length of discussions.

Commissioners authorized direction to proceed with mediation and legal action required to terminate the master operating agreement.

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