Stonington — The Board of Selectmen on Wednesday unanimously approved an amended athletic field fee schedule that exempts Stonington youth leagues from having to pay to use town fields.

Last year no decision was made on the initial plan, which was designed to raise money to offset the cost of field maintenance, after some residents criticized the idea of charging the leagues, which they said they would have to pass on the cost to their players and families.

The Recreation Commission then revised the plan to allow the leagues to host one off-season clinic and one summer camp open to the public, with profits going to the town to help pay for the eventual replacement of the carpet on the artificial turf football field. In turn, players would avoid a $25 annual fee.

But Selectman Mike Spellman said Thursday he was inundated with calls from parents who said the plan was a form of double taxation that forces them to pay a fee when a portion of their annual taxes are being used to pay off the bond to renovate the fields.

He said parents told him that when the field project was put to a referendum vote, there was no mention of a fee.

Spellman said the Recreation Commission had good intentions to raise funds to help offset the eventual $300,000 replacement cost of the artificial turf field. But in these tough economic times, he said the increased cost may be too much for some families and he did not want to see children not being able to play.

Fees are being waived for teams comprised of at least 75 percent Stonington residents and nonprofit organizations located in town. The plan affects organizations such as Stonington Seals, Stonington Soccer Club and Stonington Youth Football.

“It’s the right thing to do," Spellman said.

Under the plan, out-of-town nonprofit groups and for-profit groups will continue to pay fees for use of town fields that range from $15 to $125 an hour.

Additional fees are also charged for using things such as lights, the press box and scoreboard.

j.wojtas@theday.com