NGCOA Chapters Accomplish Significant Legislative Victories
NGCOA Chapters Influence Laws that Impact the Golf Industry
The sharpest owners and operators advocate in state capitals across the country on behalf of their businesses. NGCOA chapters, through the efforts of their members, have accomplished significant legislative victories for all golf course owners.
September 2009. The North Carolina state legislature considered adding a recreational tax to greens fees as a tactic to make up a projected budget shortfall. The chapter, led by Del Ratcliffe, teamed with the allied associations to rally owners, superintendents, golf professionals, and players in efforts that led to elected officials receiving thousands of letters, faxes and email messages protesting the tax. The industry prevailed yet is poised for another effort in the next session. Read more.
June 2009. The Indiana legislature passed a law requiring the Income Capitalization Approach be used for property tax assessments on golf courses. The successful passage of the legislation is the result of a two-year effort by the Indiana Chapter’s Board of Directors and their work with the Department of Local Government Finance. Course owners, both members and nonmembers alike, will save millions of dollars in property taxes as a result of the chapter’s leadership and initiative. Read more.
March 2009. Bill stopped that would have repealed the property tax assessment plan that saves Nevada golf course owners more than $5 million in taxes. The Nevada Chapter championed this cause for many years before passage of the original bill in 2005.
February 2009. The California Chapter played a key role in the defeat of proposed sales tax on green fees. This win saves a course with 32,000 annual rounds played at an avg. of $35/round more than $100,000!
“The California Golf Course Owners Association working in alliance with the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) is successfully fighting legislative issues that have potential impact on our industry. Together we are a force to be reckoned with, as demonstrated by our recent sales tax victory. “ – George Kelley, Stevinson Ranch, Stevinson CA
November 2008. The amendment to the Massachusetts Liquor Control Act permitting Massachusetts golf course owners to sell liquor anywhere on the golf course became law. Previously, liquor licenses were only allowed for the clubhouse. The efforts of three owners, which included two New England Chapter board members, were instrumental in getting the bill passed.
November 2008. The Pennsylvania Chapters were awarded a $100,000 grant from the State Dept. of Tourism to promote golf.
2006 - 2007. The New Jersey Chapter successfully defeated a sales tax expansion bill that would have taxed green fees and membership fees. The green fee tax was avoided, but a membership tax was later imposed, which the NJ chapter is seeking to repeal or limit.
July 2007. The MN Supreme Court decided that any unilateral designation of open space to the detriment of any landholder, albeit benefiting the public, must be thoroughly justified or will be ruled an illegal taking. The Midwest Chapter supported the member action by filing a “friend of the court” brief.
June 2005. The efforts of the Indiana Chapter were instrumental in the passage of a bill supporting Daylight Savings Time throughout the state, increasing the number of evening hours available for residents to play golf.