Citizens get second turn at convincing council not to sell municipal golf course

The initial public meeting, due to the size of the audience, was held next door in the Lemoore Civic Auditorium. Over 100 persons crammed into the Civic Auditorium to ask questions and get answers to the Tachi Yokut’s offer to buy the Lemoore golf course for $5 million. A number of questions were asked by residents, including some submitted in writing, that the city answered and were a part of the regular council packet, which can be found on the City of Lemoore’s website.

City’s answers to written questions

Tachi’s answers to written questions

However, the Tachi Yokut’s offer may not be the only one on the table. Lemoore Golf Professional and course manager, Rich Rhoads, told The Leader he has submitted an offer to lease the golf course from the city, make the necessary payments, and keep the course in the public realm.

“I want the city to own the golf course,” he said. “I think my plan is better than their plan.”

Rhoads has been the course’s professional or manager since the course opened in 1992.

One of the relevant questions asked at the first public hearing was whether the city intends to adhere to California Code regarding the sale of publicly owned property. Lemoore City Attorney Laurie Avedisian was somewhat vague in answering whether the city would be required to adhere to codes which require a four fifths vote to proceed with the transaction of public property. She told audience members that a sale will be determined by the council as the process moves forward.

The city clarified the issue somewhat in written comments posted on its website.

“Code section 73420-37430 is one alternative process that can be followed for the sale of real property there are other processes available, including the surplus property rules, which require only a majority vote for the sale. The process of the sale of the property will be determined by Council as this process moves forward,” stated the city report.

The Tachi also clarified its proposal for purchasing the property. In a written response from Tachi Chief Financial Officer James Snead, he said payments would be in three lumps: $1.5 million at closing; $1.5 million on November 1, 2020, and $2.0 million on November 1, 2027.

According to Snead, the payments exactly match the city’s payment schedule for its outstanding golf course debt.

The Tachi also reiterated its pledges to maintain all existing agreements with various groups, including the high school, local organizations for fundraisers as well as keep the property as a golf course forever.