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KETCHUM, Idaho (AP) — The central Idaho city of Ketchum is considering buying a golf course.
The Idaho Mountain Express (http://bit.ly/1veDmAD) reports that representatives of the Bigwood Golf Course earlier this month made a presentation to the Ketchum City Council.
"The family is entertaining offers, and certainly we have had some interest in the golf course, but at this point we're not under contract with anyone," said attorney Tom Praggastis, who is representing the family that owns the course.
The entire nine-hole course on the north side of the city as well as open-space areas are for sale. The asking price hasn't been disclosed.
The course is owned by the family of Dave Sellgren, who passed away in 2005. Sellgren bought the course in 1978 after moving to Ketchum. He entered into a lease agreement with another entity but the lease was later terminated, and the Sellgren family has maintained control of the course for the last two years.
Ketchum resident Ed Simon is a former mayor of the city and suggested the meeting because he thinks the city could afford to buy it.
"It would be a potential gainer once you paid off a potential revenue bond," Simon said. "(It) would have no increase in property taxes, but could be paid yearly based on the revenues generated by the golf fees."
Lisa Enourato, assistant to the city administrator and communications coordinator, said the city is moving slowly on the idea. She said part of the problem is the Ketchum won't have a city administrator until August. She also said the city is still gathering information such as the total acreage and water rights.
"I hope that the city will not dismiss this potential win-win for the city, golfers and every Sun Valley and Ketchum resident," Simon said.
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Information from: Idaho Mountain Express, http://www.mtexpress.com
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