Country Clubs were the largest taxpayers in town.

Last updated on July 10, 2021

I’m sure when the late Mayor Katica stated that the Country Clubs were the largest taxpayers in town. Basically, saying the Country Clubs are Belleair’s small businesses and the backbone of our community. He believed that to be his truth.

Nevertheless, the Mayor’s assertions were flawed. As residents still feel previous assertions and announcements made by the Mayor and Commissioners. Concerning Belleair’s golf courses are flawed as well?

Selling the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club golf course. Is what I believe can be called an impossible puzzle. That can’t be answered due to lack of information and the number of logical impossibilities.

Especially considering. When Belleair town commissioners/Mayor voted unanimously to purchase Belleview Biltmore Golf Club golf course. With a 4 million gift after John J. Osborne passed away, donating it to Belleair.

No long before selling the Belleview Biltmore Golf Club. Now the Pelican. In 2016, mayor Katica noted Belleview Biltmore Golf Club golf course turned a profit, paying the town about $192,000, which included rent of $40,000 per quarter and a percentage of its profits.

The 10-year lease Belleair had with Green Golf Partners. Guaranteed Belleair residents net revenues of nearly $3 million. Plus, the property value increase over the 10-year lease.

Instead, to date, Belleair received only its share of property taxes from Pinellas County. In the amounts of $15,670.36 for 2018 $15,896.74 for 2019 and $33,475.00 2020.

At this rate, it will take Belleair. Four more years to realize the same amount of town revenues. It received in one year from its lease with Green Golf Partners.