Gray resigns as recreation director

In a telephone interview on Tuesday, January 23, 2012, Gray was asked what were the factors that contributed to his resignation. Gray stressed that his decision to resign didn’t come lightly and many of the factors he weighed included what he felt was best for this community and the kids. When asked if his decision to resign was the result of the ongoing county financial crisis, Gray stated, “The county officials are satisfied with where the recreation department stands currently. I am not.” Gray stressed it takes a lot of teamwork to make a high-caliber recreation department successful and it requires commitment from the city and county officials and the community as a whole.

The Eastman-Dodge County Recreation Department began experiencing financial problems in late 2011 due to the county having no money to fund the recreation department’s budget. The recreation department’s current monthly budget is $13,875.00. The county is currently behind in funding the recreation department.

The executive board of the recreation department met with Gray in an emergency meeting held on Monday evening, January 23 and inquired of Gray what would be needed in order for him to remain as director. There were no additional offers submitted to Gray. The Dodge County News contacted White for comment. As of press time, White had not responded.

Gray began his tenure as director in October 2000. The Eastman-Dodge County Recreation Department boasts six state championships under Gray’s leadership. One championship occurred in boy’s baseball in 2005 and five state championships in girl’s softball. Gray was instrumental in securing Eastman/Dodge County in hosting their first state softball tournament in July 2011.

Gray will begin his new duties as director of the Cochran-Bleckley County Recreation Department in Cochran upon completion of his duties in Eastman on February 3.

The next meeting of the Eastman-Dodge County Recreation Board is scheduled for Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.