The Cook County Board of Commissioners and the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) made a wise decision when they chose to invest $3.1 million of 1 percent funds for Superior National golf course improvements. Here’s one example: . The 12 home development known as the Lutsen Log Lodges (a stone’s throw from the golf course) would have not resulted “but for” the golf course. . The 44 homesite development immediately adjacent to the golf course and its fairways known as the Heritage at Lutsen would have not resulted “but for” the golf course. Regarding the two developments: . In 2001, just prior to the development of the Log Lodges, real estate taxes collected for this 20-acre parcel totaled $42. . Post development, tax revenues between 2002 – 2012 total $219,492. In 1999, prior to the platting process for the 44 Heritage at Lutsen sites, total tax revenues collected totaled $300. . Post development, tax revenues between 2002 – 2012 for the golf course homesites, homes and townhomes total $345,387. . Combined, these two developments have generated $564,879 in unencumbered county tax revenues over the past 10 years, a current annualized tax revenue annuity of $61,958 with estimated improved and unimproved values totaling $11,198,926.
This flow of funds will not only grow, it will continue in perpetuity.
Each development is responsible for maintaining their roads, utilities, water and septic. Tax revenues are not spent to provide public services to these properties that would otherwise be provided in a more traditional municipal setting. In other words, these developments do not cause a tax burden for the county, rather they serve as a source of revenue for Cook County’s overall operating budget. That’s a benefit to all citizens of Cook County. The golf reinvestment project will: . Increase confidence for new home development and complementing projects and encourage reinvestment into existing properties near the golf course. . Generate growing tax revenue base for Cook County. . Continue to employ local trades with living based wages (home builders, service providers and more). . Generate local spending by 56 property owners for services, food, gas, entertainment and more.
All the above would not have occurred if it were not for the golf course. Keeping the golf course healthy was a good play by our County Board of Commissioners and EDA.
Mike Larson
Lutsen
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