The decision to buy Bon Air Golf Course comes down to a simple question: Is this in the best long-term interests of Moon residents?
At the last regular meeting of the Moon supervisors, board President Alex Ropelewski began a presentation laying out the facts in an effort to address that question.
Moon has until Sept. 15 to exercise an option to buy the 70-year-old, 137-acre, 18-hole course from James and Lori Heinlein and Bon Air Enterprises Inc. The property is assessed at $2.1 million.
Acquiring the course would be in line with the township's goal of enhancing wide-open green space, but critics contend that government should not be in the business of managing a golf course.
Some object on principle because it competes with other private enterprises, but most are concerned that the course could end up costing taxpayers money.
In his presentation, Ropelewski laid out the four options Moon might consider:
* A lease to a private concessionaire, in which the township receives a percentage of revenues, usually 20 percent to 30 percent, but has less control over the facility
* A fixed-price management contract, which would give the township greater control over the course
* Municipality management, which is most common in Western Pennsylvania and would give Moon complete control of the course. But the township would also shoulder all costs related to the course
* Creation of a recreation authority to manage the course. Authorities do not have taxing power, but can charge rates to cover their capital and operating costs.
If it does not buy the course, Ropelewski said, the land would probably be sold to a developer and turned into a housing community, which could further strain township and school district resources, increase costs and eliminate revenue captured from amusement taxes.
In his comments to the board, supervisor Marvin Eicher reflected his concerns about getting into the golf course business.
"Can we embark on something and approach it and run it as a business?" Eicher asked. "I approach this very cautiously. On the one hand, I see it
as an asset to preserve our green space," Eicher said. "On the other hand, its a major investment."
Earlier this summer, Moon hired Golf Property Analysts, a Harrisburg-based consulting firm that will examine Bon Air's current operations, assets, staffing, maintenance, greens fees and rounds played in a year.
GPA will make a recommendation to Moon as to whether it is feasible for the township to own and operate the course.
Mt. Lebanon, Franklin Park and Cranberry are the only communities in the Greater Pittsburgh area that own and maintain golf courses.
Parks and recreation Manager Dana Kasler said that the business evaluation as well as property appraisals had to be completed before Moon will act.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pennsylvania)