MARS — The Mars Youth Football Association went on the offense at the borough council meeting Monday night regarding increased costs to use Marburger field, but council members said the higher fee is justified for safety.

Council recently notified the football association that an additional $100 fee per home game, or $800 per season, would be required to pay for half the cost of a police officer to direct traffic and parking in the neighborhood around the field. The borough would pay the other half of the expense.

Residents in the neighborhood complained that an emergency vehicle might not be able to travel the narrow streets around Marburger Field during a game because of parking.

But the football association said the additional funds are unavailable because it was told of the increased cost after player registration took place in February, when players' fees could have been increased to offset the cost.

"We aren't going to be able to support that $800," said Sherri Grosso, president of the football association.

Council president Mike Fleming said while the increase would take effect immediately, payment to the borough could be made in March. Fleming pointed out a $6 increase in registration fees for each of the 300 players would more than enough to cover the additional cost for a police officer at games for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

"Our goal is to have the field available for youth sports for years to come," Fleming said. "But we do need to answer to residents who get nervous."

Council solicitor Doug Weinrich said taxpayers do not feel they should pay the cost of an extra policeman to control traffic and parking for an association in which they do not participate. But Grosso said many families in the association also pay taxes in Mars.

Fleming reiterated that public safety in the neighborhood surrounding the field must be the council's first priority.

"We're not trying to cause hardship," Fleming said. "But we have to answer to the people first."

Borough police Chief Kevin Radford told Grosso that every other municipality he knows of also charges for a police car at games in addition to the officer.

The four representatives of the association left the meeting and will talk to association members at their next meeting.