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Golf course should raise rates for improvements
Published Monday, May 5, 2008
The City of Fergus Falls is considering loaning over $138,000 to Pebble Lake Golf Course in order to help the golf course meet its operating and equipment budgets. The “loan” would be made with plans to forgive the debt, basically turning it into a “grant” of public funds paid by businesses and taxpayers. I would like to suggest that the city offer an interest-free loan that will be paid back over a five-year period.
The golf course is utilized by a select few of the Fergus Falls populace. Golf is an expensive and time-consuming sport, which many residents can’t afford.
Public money should not be provided to subsidize golf for the select few that have the money and time to use these facilities.
Instead, the golf course should raise its rates in order to raise the additional $28,000 per year that it needs over the next five years to keep the golf course running. That way, the money will come from the users of the facilities (like it should).
Dennis Bowman
Fergus Falls
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by TomTom (anonymous) on May 5, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
While I agree that it's maybe not quite right for the city to give them the money. I think raising rates is an even worse idea. The end result would be even more people leaving Pebble to go to other area courses that are much more affordable. Personally I go to Tipsinah by Elbow Lake. I live closer to Pebble but Tipsinah costs half as much for a membership.
Posted by jafo (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree...if PLGC would drop their membership rates... more people would join. I too, and many others that I know, go to Tipsinah. Like TomTom said, it costs half as much for a membership... and the course is just as nice... if not nicer!
Posted by tippy98c (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 6:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The course does draw many tourists not to mention hundreds of regional students and parents for highschool golf competition this time of year. The city should provide assistance if the city as a whole will benefit.
Posted by bohica15 (anonymous) on May 6, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If PLGC would only have a pay-per-round fee plan and not a yearly membership plan, more revenue would be generated as well.
They certainly could make payments to the city over 5 years to 'repay' their obligations.
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