Golf course dominates port budget

Grant County Port District 7 officials produced a preliminary budget for 2016 at their meeting last Thursday.

The budget shows income of $216,500, with $127,000 coming from the Banks Lake Golf Course in membership dues and playing fees.

Other revenues in the new budget come from general property taxes, $47,000; investment fund interest, $500; airport grants from FAA, $14,200; airport fees, $2,800; golf pro shop and restaurant, $24,000; and cash on hand, $1,000.

The port district will hold a public hearing on its 2016 budget at 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, at the airport in Electric City.

The district operates the 18-hole public course, largely through volunteers. The 2016 preliminary budget shows income at the golf course as $127,000, but expenses are estimated at $151,300.

Commissioners stated Thursday that the extreme heat and smoky weather had some effect on play at the golf course this summer. Membership at the course is about on par with the previous year at 85.

The port district maintains the course primarily with volunteers. “We need more volunteers,” President James Keene said.

The port district plans an appreciation barbecue at the course beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, to thank members and to honor volunteers.

The district has managed the course directly for the past three years.