From: Robert Hayes
Columbus
I’m writing this letter on behalf of the community members that support keeping Greenbelt Golf Course.
I wanted to reiterate a few points from an article that was published by The Republic back in January.
“Otter Creek needed money to settle up its 2019 accounts and prepare for the 2020 season, the mayor said. Working with Cummins and the Heritage Fund — The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County, the two formed an interim financing program, each entity loaning the course $250,000." “The city is advancing $150,000 from its economic development funds to help the course handle expenses during the slow months of February and March and to prepare for this summer’s season”.
In this article, the mayor mentions wanting to be fiscally responsible. I don’t understand how closing Greenbelt and keeping open Otter Creek, which has been struggling for years and needs millions to repair/renovate the facility is “fiscally responsible." It was brought up that Greenbelt and Par 3 lost about $50k last year combined. I’d love to see how much money Otter Creek has lost over the years. Apparently, it’s enough money to need $500,000 in loans on top of $150,000 that was loaned with no “mechanism for repayment." Our mayor should show the taxpayers of this county the balance sheet for Otter Creek, so we can truly assess what is “fiscally responsible” before any decision is made on Greenbelt.
