Council Votes To Surplus Legacy Golf Course

Mayor Stan Hargrove called the regular monthly meetings of the Fairview City Council and Fairview Utilities Authority, as well as a special meeting for the Fairview Economic Development Authority to order at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 5, with a full slate of council members in attendance.

Pastor Travis Schmidt, of the Fairview Mennonite Brethren Church delivered the opening prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

After calling the Fairview Economic Development Authority meeting to order, first item of business was discussion/action on the surplus of Legacy Golf Course. During discussion, it was mentioned that according to the bylaws, the property did not have to be declared surplus to get rid of it, but Laverty stated he wanted it done in a public setting due to the issues in the past.

After discussion a motion was made by Ewald and approved, to declare the golf course as surplus.

Next item on the agenda brought forth lengthy discussion, that being the possibility of putting Legacy Golf Course up for sale.

Laverty said a couple of different groups came forward with proposals ranging from outright purchase to lease proposals.

He also noted that according to the trust agreement, bids do not have to be taken for the sale of the property, as it can be sold at the discretion of Fairview Economic Development Authority.

Laverty also stated that the course is currently breaking even or making a minimal profit, and has continued operating without support from the city.

When asked, Laverty stated the appraised value of the course is around $800,000. He also noted the one entity that inquired about a possible lease, wanted to do so for $1 a month. It was not disclosed if a potential buyer had made a cash offer to purchase the course.

After discussion, Ewald made a motion to place the course up for sale, and it was approved.

It is worth noting, that a grant obtained by the city to construct the clubhouse, requires the course to continue under the city’s ownership until May 2027, or be at risk of paying a $50,000 penalty for reimbursement to NODA.