County Commissioner Joe Graham, after being rebuffed by the County Commission for money to paint the Lookout Valley Recreation Center, said more than enough money has been donated by the community.
"We are up to $2,550 at last count," said Commissioner Graham, which is more than he was seeking in the county vote.
The request to use his accumulated expense funds fell short when Chairman Chester Bankston and Vice Chairman Randy Fairbanks voted "present."
Commissioner Graham held a press conference on Monday night to announce the goal had been met. Those attending included City Councilman Chip Henderson, and leaders of the recreation board and neighborhood association in Lookout Valley.
He said, "There have been a whole lot of upset parents. They are saying they can't believe two commissioners would do this. Some have tried to contact Commissioners Bankston and Fairbanks by phone."
He added, "There has been an outcry - not just from my district but from throughout Hamilton County."
Commissioner Graham said the work repairing the longtime four-diamond complex may start as soon as Saturday.