Wendell — Town commissioners will consider an agreement between the town, Wake County and the Wake County Public School System that outlines management of a community park at Lake Myra Elementary School.

Town commissioners approved a plan last month to pay up to $100,000 toward construction of three ball fields at the school. The school would own one of the ball fields and Wake County would own the other two.

Under the agreement, the town of Wendell would maintain all three fields and would have the right to use the fields when school is not in session.

Town staffers estimate the annual cost of maintenance would be about $19,400.

Commissioners reviewed a draft copy of the agreement at last week’s work session, but asked for several changes to be made before they agree on final wording.

Town leaders expressed concerns that the agreement seemed one-sided.

“When I first read this thing I felt like we were paying $100,000 to cut the school’s grass,” said Commissioner Carol Hinnant.

Hinnant said the town board effectively raised the town’s tax rate four cents when they approved the construction agreement.

“I have to weigh this against all the other things the town needs,” Hinnant said.

Commissioner Sid Baynes said he was concerned about language covering who was responsible for paying bills associated with the park’s operation.

“I’d like this changed to say that the town is responsible for bills it incurs,” Baynes said.

Town Manager David Bone and Parks and Recreation Director Brinkley Wagstaff met with Hinnant and Baynes late last week to review their specific concerns. A new draft of the agreement was sent to school and county officials for review.

Debate over the agreement comes at a time when the Wendell Parks and Recreation Department is embarking on a unique fund-raising campaign of its own.

Wagstaff explained to town commissioners that his department is working with the Doug Proctor Foundation to raise $300,000 over the next 18 months to make improvements at Wendell Park.

That plan drew praise from Commissioner Bill Connolly. “Not many departments are going to take the lead and say ‘I’ll try to raise the money I need,’ “ Connolly said.