LEBANON, Mo. (KY3) – The Lebanon Area Community Golf Course was purchased by the city of Lebanon on Monday night.<\/p>\n
In August, the golf course was acquired by the non-profit Lebanon Area Community Golf Course, a 501 (c) (7) organization. John Gideon, Board President, stated that they identified a need for more engaged ownership and financial stability.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of maintenance that\u2019s needed. The course has zero financial stability, no equity, no deposit accounts to speak of, and it\u2019s the course just keeps continuing going downhill,\u201d Gideon said.<\/p>\n
This week, after discussing the potential partnership with the city to support the course, the non-profit organization agreed to transfer the property to the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe city said we can\u2019t just do a Band-Aid for this. Would you just sell it to us?\u201d Gideon said.<\/p>\n
Citizens were concerned about the sale posted on social media, questioning where the money was coming from and whether it would result in tax increases.<\/p>\n
Mayor Jared Carr said taxes should not be affected, and money will come from the economic development fund that it set aside for purchases like this one.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe felt that this was a great use of that money to keep the economic development and secure the golf course for the future and the future economic driver that\u2019ll be in the community,\u201d Carr said.<\/p>\n
Though nothing is set in place yet, other than course repairs, the mayor hopes to add new features to the golf courses, such as walking trails and pickleball courts.<\/p>\n
\u201cReally looking to improve it and improve the facilities, improve the amenities that are offered out there, and really make it a spot for some great outdoor recreation,\u201d Carr said.<\/p>\n
The city plans to uphold existing memberships, and the course will remain open to the public.<\/p>\n
Renovations are expected to begin in the winter.<\/p>\n