COLUMBUS, Ind. — City officials are looking for buyers for Otter Creek Golf Course and seeking a number of commitments from any potential new owner — including at least $5 million in improvements over the next five years.
The Columbus Board of Works voted Tuesday morning to release an Request for Proposals (RFP) contingent on Columbus City Council approving a resolution to authorize the sale Tuesday night.
City Director of Finance, Operations and Risk Jamie Brinegar said the deadline for proposals would be April 26, assuming the resolution is approved. Bids would then be opened by the Board of Works.
The resolution — a late addition to Tuesday’s agenda for city council — authorizes Mayor Jim Lienhoop to seek a disposition of the golf course “in a manner that provides best terms available to preserve the Otter Creek Golf Course as an amenity for the community.”
“Otter Creek Golf Course is a significant recreational offering for the city’s residents and is a destination golf course that contributes to the City’s economy,” the resolution states. “It is the city’s desire to retain the golf course as an amenity for the community and it has been determined that transitioning the Otter Creek Golf Course to private ownership may be the best way to accomplish this goal.”
The RFP states that sale of course would include “all associated real estate, buildings, equipment, furniture and fixtures in ‘as is’ condition along with ongoing leases for golf carts and grounds equipment.”
Additionally, the city of Columbus and the Otter Creek Management Corp. would use buyer’s funds received at closing to pay off “all loans, long term and current liabilities exclusive of leases in place.”
For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
