Standing-room-only crowd asks Logan City leaders not to privatize Logan River Golf Course

Courtesy Logan City

“Logan River Golf Course is a gem,” according to golfer Todd Christiansen.

A sentiment expressed by a number of people who attended a public input meeting Tuesday night at the Logan City Hall Council Chambers.

The city, which has been operating and subsidizing the course to the tune of $150,000 annually, is discussing options to privatize course management.

City leaders presented a total of six proposals to the group. Three options included proposals from professional management companies, two were lease options and the sixth proposal leaves course operations remaining in the hands of the city.

“The devil is in the details,” according to City Finance Director Rich Anderson. “Any proposal that is selected would require extensive vetting and contractual negotiations as we iron out the details.”

The only proposal acceptable to those attending the standing-room-only meeting didn’t involve management companies or leases, rather keeping the golf course operating as it is.

“I wouldn’t turn it over to any private organization,” said Thomas Cherrington. “If I was a business owner in this community, I would be scared to death with what you’re about to do. You have no idea what’s going to happen.”

“Certainly anything new and different has risk going forward,” said Mayor Holly Daines.

Those who attended the public meeting clearly did not want the city to take that risk, instead they offered advise.

“The golf course doesn’t necessarily have a problem with how it’s run,” said Rick Mayor, “what we have is an issue of marketing. If you market it right, you’re going to bring people in here and that’s not being done right now.”

Melissa Dowley said, “Privatizing is not the way to go. You have pros at the golf course for a reason. They know what they are doing.”  She continued, “There has to be more marketing.”

City leaders will continue to review the proposals as well as take into account feedback from the community. A decision whether to make changes to the golf course management could come in the next few weeks.

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1 Comment

  • Steve E. February 2, 2019 at 11:14 am Reply

    Daines set the tone prior to allowing comments. She said she has the authority to make the decision she chooses and has no obligation to consult with anyone. With that said Daines ego is not going to allow anyone’s comments change her mind regardless of how relevant and useful they maybe. Furthermore Daines in my opinion has already committed to Greatlife and the meeting was merely an exercise for politics.

    My other observation is Russ Akinna has no ability to manage a business, which is what the golf course is. The inability of the golf course to make money is a direct result of Russ’ lack of business management experience. The city had no business putting a parks and rec guy in charge of a enterprise asset. Since he has become Daines new lap dog on the subject of how to separate the city from the losses of the golf course he will let Daines make the decision so when the next mayor comes along he can blame Daines for the losses and disastrous results.

    Of the proposals shown all but one will cost the city money and not actually saving the city money which is the reason for this whole meeting. The one proposal that said it would not cost the city additional revenue was prepared by two golf pro’s with what I understand is more than 45 years of experience in the industry. As any golfer knows the pros in the shop are the heart and sole of the golf course. With two very popular pros at the helm the course will prosper I believe ask any country club.

    These are my opinions and mine only. I saw in the meeting that if you don’t agree with Daines her vindictive personality will be sure to make you pay no matter how right you are.

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