League asks twp. to be a PAL, contribute money
Funds would be used to offset fees charged to parents

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - The head of the Police Athletic League (PAL) has requested a small subsidy from the township to reduce the costs charged to parents, and received an assurance from the Township Council that it would be considered.

Jake Rodriguez, of Monmouth Junction, spoke during the public portion of the council's regular meeting Tuesday. He explained that the PAL, which operates youth programs for cheerleading, basketball, soccer, wrestling, flag football and track, operates at a flat budget and is supported mostly by the parents of participants. His request for a subsidy from the town is aimed to reduce charges for parents and increase accessibility.

"We operate at a zero budget. We're not looking to make money on the programs, we're trying to balance it out, the overhead, the expenses and what we take in. We usually balance out to a zero. Our goal is to operate at zero balance. Therefore, what we charge the people is what we need to charge to create that zero balance," said Rodriguez.

Last year, the programs had a combined total of 660 participants. Rodriguez said that expenses for the league include equipment, facilities rentals, uniforms, referees and insurance, which makes up the biggest chunk of the budget at around $10,000. At the moment, charges range from $70 for wrestling to $190 for basketball.

Council members expressed their support for the PAL and said they would see what they would be able to do. Mayor Frank Gambatese requested a more detailed expense report for more specific information on what needed to be done and where, pointing out that the township is currently looking over its budget, so the timing is proper. He also recommended that Rodriguez bring the matter before the recreation board.

"I promise we'll look at that and see what we can do to help in this particular area," said Gambatese.

- Chris Gaetano