There would be a hole in Nyle Rolfer's schedule Monday afternoons, when he usually golfs with his VFW league, if Bridges Golf Course in Mounds View were sold.
The city is considering selling the property, which has had financial problems since it opened in 1995. Several companies have expressed interest in putting the land, at 2850 82nd Lane NE., to a different use.
Rolfer, of Mounds View, said such a move would be shortsighted.
"The golf course can make money down the road," he said. "It's a park, and it should remain a park."
A combination of things led to the financial problems: Original construction costs were higher than expected, a lawsuit over construction problems left the city with hefty legal fees, operating expenses outpaced total revenue in some years, and the city is making principal and interest payments on the bonds.
In 2004, the golf course's debt was nearly $4 million. However, an agreement with Clear Channel has the city renting out six billboards expected to bring in at least $240,000 per year.
The debt should be paid off and the golf course turning a profit by 2018, said Jim Ericson, community development director.
The city was approached last summer by Medtronic, which is looking into buying the property. Since that time, additional companies have expressed interest.
"We don't have a for-sale sign out at the golf course or anything, but someone approached us and we have to do our due diligence and look into whether it really is a good idea to sell it," Ericson said.
The city has to explore all opportunities for enhancing its tax base, he said. Changes such as state aid cuts, street improvement bonds, Fire Department bonds and the police referendum have increased the tax burden for Mounds View property owners.
City staff members are studying the possibility of selling the land, and the City Council is getting a feel for what residents think.
"I'd lean toward whatever I see the majority of people want," Council Member Roger Stigney said. "So far what I hear out there is a majority of people don't play golf and if there is an opportunity to increase the tax base and lower taxes, that's what they want to do, but it's not definite."
Stigney's neighbor David Jahnke is one resident who wants the city to sell. "I just can't believe I'm paying for a golf course that isn't making any money," he said.
Council Member Sherry Gunn hasn't heard from many people who want to get rid of the golf course, but most of her e-mails, calls and letters in support of keeping it are from golfers who are not Mounds View residents.
"It's a very tough, emotional issue in our town, and I understand that [the course] is an asset to our community," she said. "But if this can go through, it would really help to relieve some of the tax problems we have."
Some benefits of the golf course are hard to measure, like its quality and the open green space it provides, Bridges manager Mary Burg said.
"We do about 25 percent more rounds of golf than the neighboring nine-hole courses and have an award-winning driving range," she said. "People come and are shocked because it's as nice as a country club but we have city prices."
Even if Mounds View makes decisions based on money and takes intangibles out of the equation, the course is still a sound investment, she said.
"It's a park that actually pays for itself, and with the Twin Cities growing the way it is - especially in the north - the golf course is secured in the market and will benefit the city," she said.
QUICK FACTS
History:
Late 1980s: City began assembling properties for eventual construction. The golf course task force and many community members supported the decision.
1993 and 1994: Course built. The city sold about $3 million in bonds to finance construction.
1995: Course opened.
Money situation and debt:
The city subsidizes operation because revenue is not sufficient to cover expenses and debt payments. The money is borrowed from nongeneral accounts and will be repaid with interest.
For 2004 the city owes close to $4 million.
For 2005 that amount will decrease. Each year after, the debt is projected to decrease.
The bonds will likely pay off in 2012 or 2013, with the internal loan paid off five years thereafter. The course is projected to pay off its debt and turn a profit by 2018. Clear Channel has put up six billboards that are expected to bring in at least $240,000 per year.