BPW approves GHS scoreboard pact

Taking the big picture approach, the Gaffney Board of Public Works commissioners signed off on a 10- page contract with the school district Tuesday to become a primary sponsor of the pricey scoreboard planned for the new Gaffney High football stadium.

The utility's commissioners agreed last summer to shell out $150,000 to buy ad space on the scoreboard. For its expenditure, the Board will receive space on the front of the scoreboard for its name and logo. The Board also may air as many as four advertisements per game on the scoreboard's video screen. Board of Public Works Manager Donnie Hardin said the video advertisements will take the form of public service announcements. A possible public service announcement could urge fans to conserve energy, Hardin said.

According to the terms of the agreement, the Board agreed to pay the Booster Club $75,000 within 30 days of approving the contract. The remaining amount will be due 60 days after the scoreboard is operational, the contract states.

Commissioner Elijah Inabinette said ratepayers shouldn't focus on the high cost.

"Talking about how much it costs, you have to look at the value," he said. "I know it's a lot of money. The scoreboard will affect people who go to the game and young people will be inspired."

Commissioner Roger Harris was the lone commissioner to oppose the expenditure. He criticized Gaffney school officials for displaying only those state championship trophies from teams which competed since the opening of the new high school.

"Our trophies are stuck in a closet," said Harris, who guided the Indians to state football championships in the 1960s. "I don't have a great love for them. They just swept ours into a closet."

The Gaffney High Football Booster Club will purchase the scoreboard for $452,666.89.

First Piedmont Federal Savings & Loan ($125,000) and Cherokee Masonry ($100,000) are other primary sponsors. First Piedmont Federal bought ad space on the reverse side of the scoreboard. Cherokee Masonry will advertise its name on the front of the scoreboard.

The other sponsor wants to remain anonymous and will demand reimbursement of the sponsorship fee if the sponsor's identity becomes public, according to sources.

Hardin said the video screen is under warranty for 10 years and the scoreboard has a 20-year warranty.

School trustees are expected to review the contract at their meeting next week.