The golf course in Sumner may be sold to an industrial developer as soon as mid-August when the Sumner City Council is expected to vote on a purchase and sale agreement.

The City Council entrusted Colliers International, a real estate firm based in Seattle, with marketing the sale of Sumner Meadows Golf Links last winter. After courting thousands of potential buyers, it was found that no eligible offers were placed which intended to keep the land a golf course.

Mayor Dave Enslow and Colliers met with representatives from the top three bids earlier this year. On June 10, the City Council was updated on the process and asked for permission to pursue a purchase and sale agreement, the results of which led to the impending consideration.

The progress comes after years of research and discussion. The 146-acres golf course was built on land originally acquired in 1993 by the city. In 2004, the City Council considered selling the course but ultimately decided to hire an outside contractor to operate it.

In July 2012, it became clear to many that the golf course was a drain on Sumner taxpayers. The city still owes an estimated $5.7 million and an additional $900,000 in Interfund Loans for the original land purchase and construction of the course. To date, Sumner Meadows Golf Links only generates enough money to cover operating costs; a trend mimicked at golf courses across the country. Other financial burdens associated with the golf course, such as debt repayment and facility improvement, comes from the city’s general fund.

Research shows that selling the land as a golf course might earn the city approximately $1 million, but marketing it as land eligible for development has the potential to rake in more than $30 million, according to city of Sumner Communications Director Carmen Palmer.

In August 2012, a city-wide survey was conducted, which asked residents if the golf course should be kept under the city’s care or if it should be sold as industrial land. About 80 percent responded with suggestions to sell.

Details of the agreement will be released at a city council meeting later this month when the council votes whether or not to accept the purchase and sale agreement, according to Palmer. At the time of press, the meeting date had not yet been determined.