Casta Del Sol Acquisition Discussion Continues In Mission Viejo

MISSION VIEJO, CA — The city of Mission Viejo is reviewing whether or not to purchase the 48-year-old Casta Del Sol Golf Course in an effort to preserve the 108-acres of open space around the course. The decision was slated for the Oct. 8 council meeting.

In September, council members and residents discussed the merits and potential pitfalls of purchasing the golf course, that has been negotiated down to $13 million asking price.

The city would buy the course using a budget surplus from the 2018-19 year and general fund reserves, leaving "significant resources in the bank, following the purchase," according to the city attorney.

"For south Orange county, that's a reasonable price," city Attorney Bill Curley instructed the city council at the Sept. 24 meeting. "That amount of land is a good purchase price."

The intent is to preserve it as a community municipal golf course, while also taking advantage of extending the Oso Creek Trail, and evolving the course to meet the needs of the residents.

American Golf Corporation would continue to run the facility for at most three more years, he suggested.

The purchase would ensure the golf course was preserved, maintained, and even improved, creating revenue to the city, according to voices from the dais.

The golf course is aging, and the slopes and facilities need repair. It is, however, a functioning golf course, and there are no immediate needs to "dump money" into the facility, according to the city attorney.

"We want to keep the status quo, keep control (of the golf course) in the city. As time goes on, we can make improvements as needed. Nobody is coming in looking for a huge cash infusion beyond the initial purchase," he said.

There would be no immediate need for financing beyond reserves and budget savings.

"We would still have $21 million in the liquid reserves, along with $13 million in real estate. The city would just be diversified into real estate."
The city would engage American Golf to operate the golf course for up to three years, giving staff time to learn about the facility.

"We don't have any presumptuous arrogance that we would take over," he said. "This is a community of public assets, and we want it to be seen as such."

Visitors to the golf course won't notice a difference initially but will see improvements made over time.

"We wanted to make sure the community knew what we are doing, and knows we are careful stewards of our resources," he said. "We believe as a team that this is fair and reasonable, economically, and structurally, that will bring benefit to the city."

The community had time to weigh in on the matter. While the vast majority appears to approve the purchase, many dissenting voicesexpressed their opinion on the city's website.

"I believe this good golf course could turn into a great golf course!" he said. With improvements, it could be a great venue, he added. "We have a great opportunity to continue the long history of this golf course."

While resident Ingmar Forester was in favor of the golf course remaining open space or golf course, he disagreed that the city should buy the property.

"If we buy the golf course, would we lose the property tax on that?" he asked from the community comments portion of the meeting. "If it is such a good deal, let's let someone else buy it and generate the revenue, but not on my dime. Don't buy the golf course."

Resident Cathy Schlicht also disputed the purchase, saying, "this golf course should remain in the private sector, as the government has no idea how to run a business. It will become a money pit."

Other residents discussed that the golf course should evolve to meet the needs of the residents if the city does purchase it.

A resident who identified himself as Jim stated it should remain part of a golf course, and part a park for more local needs.

Final approval or disapproval was expected at the Oct. 8 city council meeting.

What are your thoughts on whether Mission Viejo should buy the golf course?