Cook County-Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) Treasurer Jim Hall appealed to the county board November 23 for a $200,000 loan to carry Superior National at Lutsen golf course over the winter as it has done each year for a number of years.
Commissioner Jim Johnson asked what would be done if the county did not approve the loan. They would have to shut down the course, Hall said, close up the building, lay off their employees, and not pay the light and power bills.
Commissioner Fenwick considered the loan “a feasible way” for the course to continue to do business.
Fenwick reported to the board that proposals from companies that specialize in golf course management are being reviewed by three groups: the committee screening applications for 1% tax-funded projects, the golf course committee set up by the EDA, and golf course staff. The companies cannot thoroughly evaluate the golf course’s needs and come up with a precise proposal under the current winter conditions, however.
Fenwick recommended that in trying to determine what the real capital needs of the golf course are, the board should seek the opinion of Head Grounds Superintendent Mike Davies, who Fenwick believes has only the best interests of the golf course in mind. Others who have brought concerns and needs to the county board have had more than just the golf course’s interests in mind, he said.
Lutsen business owner Paul Quinn maintained that if the golf course were managed by an independent management company, the board would not have to spend its time considering a loan.
Theboard passed a motion to loan $200,000 to the golf course, and then they passed a second motion to charge 1% interest to cover the cost of administration. Of the loan amount, $90,000 will be used to make bond payments.
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