It seems every time the Warren County Board of Supervisors is presented an agenda item involving the county’s parks and recreation department, it involves yet another payment needed, or cut to the budget required, or revenue projection for Clear Creek Golf Course.

And while the support of the supervisors is appreciated — especially by those who frequent the golf course — there needs to be some very tough questions asked as to whether or not the county government should be in the golf business.

Government by nature is horrible at running a business, and is best positioned to provide essential services such as law enforcement, roads and the like.

Running a golf course might not be best placed on that list.

Yes there are some tremendously successful golf courses operated by cities and counties, but in many cases those courses are located in more populated areas or resort areas.

In no way shape or form are we calling for the closure of Clear Creek. In fact, we are calling for quite the opposite.

Turning over the operations — lock, stock and barrel — to a private company would be best for the course, the county and more important, local residents.

A company that specializes in golf course operations can make the needed investments to the course that often times are beyond the budget of the county. A company that specializes in golf course operations can better market to attract more golfers.

Doing so would free up the hundreds of thousands spent by the county on the maintenance and upkeep of the course and allow for those dollars to be reinvested in other recreational areas such as parks, trails and even ballparks.

Insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It’s time for the county and parks and recreation officials to think outside the box at what is best for the golf course and the county.