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Hildebrandt, Konrad
(Articles are in reverse chronological order)
TAB 6
But after the golf course was built, city voters passed an initiative requiring the city to get public
approval for any bonding. That was amended in 2006 to permit the council to skip a referendum
if the bond was backed by a city-controlled, dedicated revenue source, or if it were for a vital city
service.
Perry said the clubhouse does not fit either exemption.
First, he said revenue from greens fees are not controlled by the city in the same way that utility
fees are. Just raising a greens fee does not guarantee more money, he said.
"The city cannot vote to raise or lower the revenue from the golf course," Perry said.
Second, the ordinance states that the council can bypass a public vote if the money is being
borrowed to provide a basic public service, which the ordinance defines as utilities or any facility
needed for the operation of city government. He said a golf course does not fit that description.
Hildebrandt said the bond would also be backed by the city's sales-tax revenue, providing extra
security.
And McGee said the city is already paying enough in rent on the trailer and tents to cover the
bond for a $1.2 million clubhouse.
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