City commissioners are kicking around the idea of purchasing the debt-strapped Peace River Country Club and making it an extension of the city-owned golf course.
"It's worth looking into," said Commissioner Cal Adams. "I've served on the board of directors for the country club twice, and I feel that it needs to be saved if at all possible. But not if it's going to cost the taxpayers money."
In a letter to the city, Marc McLean, president of the club's board, said Peace River has suffered financial losses in recent years as corporations have cut back on expenses and families have tightened their budgets.
"We feel that if we cannot continue to operate because of a lack of funds, we would like to see if the city of Bartow might have an interest in purchasing the club facilities to be made part of the Bartow Golf Course amenities," McLean wrote.
Commissioners last week told City Manager Joe DeLegge to review the city's options.
Club members were told last month that Peace River's debts total about $ 380,000, he said, and they are continuing to mount. Most of the debt is tied to a mortgage on the property.
The single-story building and surrounding 3 acres at 150 N. Idlewood Ave. carry a taxable value of $ 460,000, according to Property Appraiser's records.
The club, which has about 260 members, offers its membership a private dining room, lounge and an outdoor swimming pool. It does not have a golf course or tennis courts.
DeLegge said no one has discussed specific sale figures yet.
If the city buys it, the clubhouse will become a public building with open access, which means it will have to meet current standards for those with disabilities.
The dining rooms and kitchen in the clubhouse are significantly larger than the restaurant at the neighboring city-owned golf course.
Bartow leases the bar and grill at the golf course, which operates as Mulligan's. If the city purchased the clubhouse, DeLegge said, Mulligan's could move into that space and expand its restaurant operations and provide more revenue to the city.
Source: The Ledger (Lakeland, Fla.)