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Fayette County Schools Consider Selling Meadowbrook Golf Course

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Aerial view of Meadowbrook Golf Course in Lexington, KY.

News Summary

Fayette County Public Schools is contemplating the sale of the Meadowbrook Golf Course to address a $16 million budget shortfall. This 27-acre par-3 course, leased to the city for only $1 a year, has sparked debate among parents and community members regarding its financial implications and recreational value. Despite the potential for immediate cash flow, FCPS officials are concerned about the long-term budgetary issues that may remain unaddressed. The situation also underscores the complexities of local governance and funding in the education sector.

Fayette County Schools Contemplate Selling Meadowbrook Golf Course to Address Budget Shortfall

Lexington, KY – Amid a significant $16 million budget shortfall, Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) is weighing the potential sale of the 27-acre Meadowbrook Golf Course, the only par-3 golf course in Lexington. This facility is currently leased to the city for just $1 annually, prompting some parents and community members to question whether divesting this piece of property is a viable solution to the school system’s financial challenges.

The golf course has been under FCPS ownership since the 1960s, as a means to facilitate the construction of Southern Middle and Southern Elementary schools. Critics like Mathew Vied argue that the golf course, devoid of any direct educational purpose, could be sold to alleviate financial pressures. He posits that if the city values this golfing space, it should acquire the course at its market value, which Fayette County Property Value Administration records list at around $2.7 million.

FCPS officials, however, have expressed reservations about selling the golf course. According to FCPS spokesperson Dia Davidson-Smith, while the sale could provide an immediate influx of cash, it would not address the ongoing budgetary issues that the district faces. The lease arrangement established in 1968 has yielded mutual benefits for both the school district and the city, fostering a collaborative relationship over the years.

Following a recent ruling by the Kentucky Attorney General stating that FCPS failed to provide the required notification before proposing an increase in occupational taxes, the School Board has postponed further tax initiatives. In response to the shortfall, a task force has been created to explore alternative funding options and potential budget cuts. Additionally, state auditor Allison Ball has announced a special audit of the school system’s finances to ensure operational integrity.

History of Meadowbrook Golf Course Ownership

The discussions regarding the ownership of Meadowbrook Golf Course stretch back nearly 50 years. In 2002, an agreement was made to exchange two acres of the golf course for land at Gainesway Park; however, the city has not followed through on purchasing the golf course itself. This led to further financial exchanges in 2005, when FCPS paid the city $60,000 for two acres of land at Gainesway Park, contrary to the previous agreements.

The issue of selling the golf course resurfaced in 2007, but the city expressed concerns about losing valuable green space in the area. The risk of closure has loomed over the golf course multiple times, including discussions in 2010 when budgetary pressures were also high. Community support has historically played a role in keeping the course operational, with both local golfers and nearby residents advocating for its preservation.

Community Reactions and Future Outlook

Many parents and community members remain divided on the sale of Meadowbrook Golf Course. While some agree with the notion that the sale could bring needed funding, others emphasize the importance of maintaining this recreational space for the community. City representatives, including spokeswoman Susan Straub, highlight the long-standing and beneficial relationship that has been established between FCPS and the city regarding the golf course.

The ongoing discussions surrounding the future of Meadowbrook Golf Course illustrate the complexities of local governance and educational funding in Fayette County. As the FCPS grapples with the budget shortfall, the fate of this historic golf course will likely continue to be a contentious topic among parents, local residents, and school officials alike.

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Fayette County Schools Consider Selling Meadowbrook Golf Course

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