The Eagle Valley Golf Course is a city facility, like the parks, ball fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, etc. They're all recreational facilities for the benefit of the citizens of Carson City.
Why is Eagle Valley Golf Course the only city facility that doesn't receive any benefits from the city?
The city did help the golf course financially for a very short period of time. In 1975 (not quite sure if the date is 1975 or 1976) the board of supervisors made a commitment to help pay for the bonds with money from the room tax fund. Bonds were issued to the city for construction of the golf course.
Eagle Valley opened in 1977. There was no competition then so the course was making huge profits. Because of the profits, the city stopped making payments on the bonds. It's 2001 now. The golf management is still making payments on new bonds and bank loans without any money from the city or city tax payers.
At the present time there are several new golf courses in our area. Because of the competition, the profit from the golf course has dropped down. Eagle Valley could use the room tax money now. However, that money has been committed to another city project and the money isn't available at this time.
However, the city has another source of income to help the golf course - the Quality of Life Fund! The golf course qualifies because it is a city facility that provides recreation for the seniors and juniors of Carson City. The course is not a private course. The not-for-profit corporation manages the golf course for the city.
Many seniors and juniors have enjoyed the golf course for 24 years. We don't want to lose our quality of life by not being able to play golf, so let's hope and pray that the present board of supervisors will honor the commitment made by the 1975 board of supervisors.
DORIS TAYLOR
Carson City
