The course was built 25 years ago and has operated for most of that time in the red. Four years show up in city records as having operated in the black to the tune of about $670,000 during those four years. As I understand it the city does not have a mortgage attached and own the course free and clear.

 

The issue at hand appears to be that the course is not self-sustaining and subsequently three basic options have surfaced. I maintain that the real issue is if or when the city decides to release their control over the land and/or the golf course. As I understand it the options include:

 

1. Selling either a portion or the entire course to an interested buyer. Some are tempted to rid the city of the burden of current losses in the operation of the golf course. This option is an immediate and full release of control over the future of the golf course in Becker. 

 

2. Another option is to lease the course to a professional management company to operate. Although this option retains control over the property it does in-fact lose control over the golf operation.

 

3. A third option is to continue operating the course with a department head in charge.

 

There are several alternatives or variations within the above three options but I believe this pretty well covers it.

 

The current council has agreed on only one thing and that is that they would like to keep golf in Becker, albeit for a variety of reasons. One reason being it has positive impacts on other businesses in the city. After listening to many hours of discussion the disagreement continues to be a fear of losing control over the future of the golf course and the property.

 

Option “One” may include a way to keep control over the property for a short period of time (3 to 10 years) but ultimately the property would be under control of the buyer. This option is conceding that a buyer can come in and operate the course profitably or seek another option to recover their investments.

 

Option “Two” would maintain control over the property but would lose all control over the operation of the course. This option is also conceding that the city cannot operate the course without suffering some sort of loss. The expectations would be that a management company would come in and market the course in such a manner that it would not only break-even but would also make a profit for the Management Company.

 

Option “Three” would be to operate the course with city staff and find a way to market the course in a manner that is competitive and the city could reduce or eliminate the negative numbers to a level the citizens can live with.

 

There is risk involved in each of the three options and our city council will evaluate that risk and do what is best for the City of Becker. Let your council members know how you feel.