A Sept. 26 letter writer stated that Nemadji Golf Course in Superior is not run like a private business because private businesses must return profits to owners. While the writer failed to identify sources for his reports, he indicated Nemadji barely breaks even.
Well, I have done some research on my own and I dispute everything the writer said about Nemadji. I contacted the Superior finance director, and she provided me with some very interesting facts about Nemadji's current operation.
Proceeds received by the city from Nemadji have reduced the city's golf-course deficit from $749,068 on Dec. 31, 2004, to $414,479 on Sept. 27, 2010.
Nemadji's operators have paid $244,021 in debt owed to the city's Capital Improvement Program. This debt is now paid in full.
Nemadji's operators already have paid $300,000 in debt owed to city's General Fund. They are on schedule to pay off this debt.
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More than $223,000 of capital improvements have been made to Nemadji since its private-management contract started on Feb. 1, 2005.
Capital improvements for 2010 and 2011 include clubhouse roof repairs and exterior renovation; a new well, irrigation and electrical upgrades; and modifications to greens, tees, bunkers and drainage systems.
The city of Superior no longer experiences annual operating deficits in its Nemadji Golf Course fund. It did prior to the current operating lease.
Nemadji is not used by the elite and rich, as the letter writer suggested. Golf at Nemadji is reasonably priced and accessible to anyone who desires to play, as evidenced by the 60,000 rounds a year played there.
Taxpayers in Superior should be proud of Nemadji and pleased with the financial results experienced since the course was turned over to private management.
William Anderson lives in South Range.
