Several first selectmen of the Connecticut State Legislature and other chief elected officials are opposed to a measure in the legislature to designate golf courses as open space, an act that would reduce town assessments and taxes.
"With the reduction of state funding to municipalities this only adds to the municipal burden."
George Crouse
The Day of New London reports that Stonington First Selectman George Crouse told the legislature's transportation committee that the law would become another unfunded mandate for already-strapped municipalities.
From the report:
The change would affect Pequot Golf Course, Elmridge Golf Course, and the Stonington Country Club, lowering their combined assessments by more than $1,949,420. The change would mean the town would receive $39,826 less in taxes from the golf courses.
Officials from Colchester, East Granby, Goshen, and Oxford have joined the opposition.
Mike Moraghan, executive director of the Connecticut State Golf Association, said golf courses owned by families or individuals must be able to compete with municipally-owned courses that do not pay taxes. He also argued that this change would allow golf courses in northern Connecticut to compete with Massachusetts courses who already have a more favorable tax treatment.
John Drabik, the owner of Cedar Ridge Golf Course in East Lyme, who is in favor of a new designation, said courses are "improved pastureland" and are a means of battling urban sprawl, reported The Day.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.
