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BOOK 97 pwq 839:. Director Baird advised that the revenues and expenses are even, and Mr. Heady pointed out that if it is even, it doesn't cost the County a thing. He felt privatization would be a serious mistake and would open a floodgate. Mr. Heady stated that he would be very disappointed with this Board if they were to transfer the care of this treasure of a golf course to a private firm. John Wallen of Buckinghammock Trail felt the union should have been brought into this matter a long time ago. He would like to know what the County has invested in their capital equipment and whether the contractor is going to use that equipment. He asked if the private firm is to be bonded and whether the bond is sufficient to restore the golf course to its initial condition in the event of mismanagement. Mr. Wallen also asked about the continuance of prisoner labor at Sandridge. In conclusion, Mr. Wallen emphasized that "if it isn't broke, don't fix it." In response to Chairman Adams' request, Director Komarinetz addressed the questions posed by Mr. Wallen. He explained that we would continue to own the equipment, but the contractor would repair and maintain it. The reason for that is that in the event the contractor did not perform satisfactorily, the County could resume maintenance. There is a 5 -year capital equipment replacement program and we will work that into our capital equipment budget program. Director Baird explained that the performance bonds are part of the cost and cover 100% of the contract, and Director Komarinetz explained that the agreement states that IGM is responsible for any damage done to the golf course up to $2 -million. With regard to prisoners working at the golf course, that labor is available as long as the County owns the course. In addition, we have the County's weekend work force program where they perform various tasks around the club house. Commissioner Bird felt we could kick the numbers around all day, but we have to rely on staff who diligently worked up these figures and feel comfortable with their recommendation. Commissioner Bird noted that having a great love and pride for Sandridge, the last thing he would ever want to do is hurt it in anyway. He has great compassion for the maintenance workers and hoped that they would be hired by the new company or. get transferred laterally within the County. He has been told by the Personnel Department that we have several openings in the County where they can retain their same pay and benefits. Unfortunately it is that pay and those benefits that is putting Sandridge in a non-competitive situation with the other 17 golf courses in this 31 APRIL 16, 1996