Wallowa County mulls major expense for golf course
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Golf Foundation requests $45,000 for repairs
ENTERPRISE — The Wallowa County Board of Commissioners at its meeting March 4 tabled a request for $45,000 for improvements at the Alpine Meadows Golf Course in Enterprise.
Mona Williams, who heads up the Wallowa Valley Golf Foundation, said the clubhouse, which was built in the 1960s, mainly needs the work. She told the commissioners the patio has serious cracks in it and the building needs to be scraped and painted. A staircase also is in need of repair or replacement.
“The golf course has been on the decline,” she said of its condition. Work is needed to maintain it.
She also asked the commissioners and the public present for any ideas they might have to improve the golf course and the clubhouse.
“This is an asset we can’t afford to lose,” she said, noting that the course contributes to the local economy both from local use and tourists. She also mentioned that various organizations make use of the course.
But the only real income it has is membership fees, which pay for basic maintenance.
Williams said the foundation has estimated it would cost about $45,000 if they paid to have the work done, though they have not yet sought bids on the work.
She said that is mostly the cost of materials needed for the work. Labor costs can be mitigated somewhat by volunteers.
Williams noted that the course and the land it is on are owned by the city of Enterprise, but the county has in the past helped fund its maintenance.
The commissioners noted that there are several funds from which they could contribute and they. Agreed the course contributes to the local economy. Thus, the Hotel/Motel Fund and the Economic Development Fund both could be considered. However, Commissioner Lisa Collier said, the county has yet to receive its share of state revenue for either of those funds. Commissioner John Hillock said they should check with the county treasurer to determine when that money and how much will be coming in.
“We’re going to give you something, but we need to check with the treasurer first,” he said.
The commissioners agreed to table the matter until the next meeting, March 18.
In another matter, the commissioners appointed four members to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Mike Hayward said there were eight applicants, all of whom were well qualified. He noted that it has been the board’s desire to fill the commission with a group that is diverse in its areas of residence, as well as in occupations. The eight gave a good spread in that diversity.
There was one vacancy created by the death of member Rob DeSpain and another vacancy. The commission also is being considered for increasing from seven to nine members once the board reviews and updates its governing regulations. To fill the vacancies, the commissioners appointed Kate Barrett, Rick George, Autumn Wilburn and Eric Sinclair. They will serve four-year terms.
Hillock said they hope to have the regulations upgraded this month so the new members can begin their service in April.
The commissioners also:
Proclaimed a “Celebration Day” for July 4 for the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Wallowa County Museum in Joseph. A presentation of the declaration date, time and location are yet to be determined.
Tabled filling two vacancies for positions on the museum board.
Approved resolutions to appoint Bill Williams and Mark Piper to the county Compensation Board and Cody Ross to the Fair Board.
Approved a resolution to correct the term expiration date for Sterling Shetler on the Fair Board.