By Betsy Finklea
The golf course was discussed at the Dillon City Council meeting.
Councilman Johnny Eller brought up the topic and said he was mainly speaking to Councilman Phil Wallace and Mayor Todd Davis.
Eller said two full budget years had passed since the city took over the golf course. He said the city was pushing $600,000 lost on the golf course. He said the $100,000 ($50,000 per year) given by the county for recreation had been used on the golf course. He said they could have used this money for a splash pad or a pool.
Eller asked if the money for the golf course was earmarked for the golf course. City Manager Glen Wagner said the county gave the money to the city to do with as they wish for recreation.
Eller asked about the hospitality tax. He asked if they were going to put some of those funds towards the golf course every year.
Councilman Phil Wallace said abut 20 years ago they made a commitment to make the quality of life better. He said that they spent $2.7 million on downtown revitalization, and it looks better. Wallace said they built a $5.1 million fitness center. Wallace said the golf course is another part of quality of life. Wallace questioned the $600,000 figure.
Eller said the golf course serves a select few.
Wallace said Eller had not been out at the golf course and seen all the cars in the parking lot, people using the pool, etc. Eller said the pool and the restaurant were separate from the golf course.
Wagner said by year four of their time over the golf course, the city must make a declaration as to whether they want to continue to lease the golf course or not or it automatically rolls over for another five years.
Davis said they just put in a $100,000 playground for the kids.
Eller said he was talking about something the kids could enjoy – an activity n the summer. Wallace said Eller needed to bring back something to them. Eller said he did, and he was shot down. Wallace said he still didn’t get the concept of a splash pad for use 3 months out of the year.
Eller said they could make revenue with a splash pad, and they were not making revenue at the golf course. Wallace said they would not make revenue on a splash pad.
Eller asked why the $50,000 from the county had to go to the golf course. Davis said it was designated by the city council.
Eller asked if it had to be voted on or if it could be done by word of mouth. Wagner said it would be a council decision by vote.
Eller asked if they could check the minutes and see if the council ever voted.
Davis said they would be glad to vote.