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Richland Wilkin JPA approves distribution to support Wahpeton golf-course irrigation project
Summary
The Richland Wilkin JPA approved a distribution to the City of Wahpeton to support a new irrigation system at Bois de Sioux Golf Course, authorizing payments equal to the lesser of 50% of annual loan payments or $45,000 a year for up to 15 years after debate over Wilkin County contributions.
The Richland Wilkin Joint Powers Authority on Jan. 13 authorized a distribution to the City of Wahpeton to help finance a new irrigation system at Bois de Sioux Golf Course.
Fred Strege presented a financing plan calling for the City to take a loan of up to $1 million to install a modern irrigation system; expected annual loan payments are about $90,000. The proposal discussed at the meeting described a cost-sharing structure of roughly one-half from the JPA, one-quarter from the City of Wahpeton and one-quarter from the golf course itself.
Board member Nathan Berseth moved to approve a distribution to the City of Wahpeton equal to the lesser of 50% of the loan payment or $45,000 annually for a period of 15 years; Perry Miller seconded. After discussion about whether Wilkin County funds should also contribute, the motion carried with Miller, Berseth and Eric Klindt voting in favor; Jon Braton had left early and did not participate in the vote, according to the transcript.
Board members debated whether Wilkin County should contribute because the golf course pays property taxes to Wilkin County. Berseth suggested Wilkin County could contribute by exempting the golf course from property taxes; participants from Wilkin County disagreed with that approach. Strege said he would look into the tax-exemption idea.
The board discussed, and Strege confirmed, that the JPA would not take a mortgage on the property for this type of project and that the distribution is structured to assist the City with loan payments rather than secure the loan against the course.
The motion directs staff to carry out the distribution if other necessary approvals proceed; the City of Wahpeton still needs to approve final terms and accept the loan. The board did not set an immediate funding disbursement date; Strege and City officials will pursue required municipal approvals and lender commitments before funds are disbursed.
