Published: Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2009 / Updated: Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2009 02:31 PM
Yay to croquet in Tega Cay
Tega Cay is planning to add a croquet field to its array of recreation amenities. The cost, estimated at approximately $37,000, would be paid for with money from a $480,000 loan the city took out to cover repairs to its two golf courses and install new fire hydrants.
The project will be funded through memberships and Mayor Bob Runde made a pledge to put up the cash if too few people sign up. That caused some residents to speak out a recent city council meeting. There were accusations that Runde, who reversed an earlier decision to retire and is now running for another term, is attempting to buy votes.
It's certainly a sticky wicket.
An argument could be made that it's improper for a city official to inject his or her own money into a public project but, in Tega Cay, this is not without precedent. Runde already put up $90,000 for a new city park and sold some property – at a loss – to the city so it can be developed into public safety and public works facilities. The accusation that he's trying to buy votes would seem valid on the surface, but in reality, Runde has been a popular mayor who would have to be considered an odds-on favorite to keep his seat in November's election.
Interesting enough, there doesn't seem to be any resistance to the croquet fields at a time when the city council is on the verge of passing a budget that calls for some spending cuts as well as the city's first tax increase in 13 years. That's because recreation is the name of the game in Tega Cay. The city was founded on the premise that it's a place for active people who like to have fun and enjoy a variety of sports.
It also suits the somewhat quirky character of the city that it would be home to more than 100 people who fancy the quaint, genteel game of croquet.
As far as the city's investment in creating the field, it expects to make the money back in user fees, mainly memberships and concession sales. Although we are uncomfortable with the idea of the mayor digging into his own pocket for a public project, considering that he has not profited from doing that in the past and doesn't stand to gain a dime in this scenario, it's not what we would call improper.
We vote “yay” for croquet in Tega Cay.
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