Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey is supportive of helping the city and UTC financially cover some expenses for Finley Stadium, an official says.

“He was very encouraging and supportive,” said Bryan Patten, chairman of the Stadium Corp., after talking with the mayor.

Mr. Patten said Mr. Ramsey indicated the Stadium Corp. could look for the same support from the county which was supplied last year.

County spokesman Mike Dunn said then the mayor appropriated $30,000 which had been set aside in hotel tax funds for the stadium and the Chattanooga Area Conventions and Visitors Bureau supplied another $30,000 for a total of $60,000.

Meanwhile, Chattanooga Lookouts owner Frank Burke said he’s waiting to see the commitments in writing.

If the efforts come together, he said he’s prepared to manage the facility for another year.

“It lets me know it’s safe to go forward,” he said.

Mr. Burke said he plans to let the Stadium Corp. know by March 14 at the latest.

One issue is that while Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield has said he plans to propose the city put $60,000 into its new budget for Finley, its fiscal year doesn’t start until July 1.

While the city gave $60,000 for Finley last year, the check didn’t arrive until months after the fiscal year began. Mr. Burke said he ended up borrowing money to cover the delay.

He said he believes Mr. Patten is working to make the city payment more timely.

“That remains to be seen,” Mr. Burke said. “I’m waiting to see what happens.”

Mr. Burke added he’s encouraged by developments.

“I’m happy to do it, but I’ve got to protect myself,” he said.

Earlier this month, Mr. Burke said he needed a commitment by March 15 for more financial support after having lost hundreds of thousands of dollars since he began managing the Southside football facility in 2005.

Mr. Patten said he believes the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will put in more funding for Finley expenses. That leaves a Friends of Finley fundraising initiative to garner $22,000 to total $180,000 from all parties, he said.

Low UTC attendance, the absence of the Baylor-McCallie football game and not attracting other high school contests are among reasons for financial losses at Finley, according to Mr. Burke and officials.

WHAT’S NEXT

Stadium Corp. Chairman Bryan Patten is to send a letter to Frank Burke citing commitments for more funding for Finley’s finances. Mr. Burke plans to decide by March 14 if he’ll continue to manage the stadium.

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