The country club, located at 540 Route 39, Forestville, is hoping to rebuild its clubhouse and is seeking assistance from the county.

On Tuesday, the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency approved a $250,000 loan to Tri-County Holding Corporation and is exploring offering tax breaks to the business as well.

Tri-County still needs private financing to make the project happen.

Before the vote, Rosemarie Strandburg with the county IDA gave some background.

The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency has provided a $250,000 loan to Tri-County Holding Corporation so it can rebuild the country club’s clubhouse that was destroyed in a fire a year and a half ago. Tri-County is seeking private financing as well.

She noted Tri-County Holding Corporation was formed back in 1924. The golf course features 18 holes. There is a proshop and restaurant on the property.

About 46% of their business comes from area residents. The remaining 54% live in another county, with a portion of them living in another state.

The clubhouse was destroyed in a fire that occurred on Oct. 1, 2023. “Due to the devastating loss, membership has declined, resulting in lost revenue,” Strandburg said.

Strandburg said Tri-County is currently securing some funding from a private lender, contingent upon the county IDA’s participation.

The loan from the county has a 4% interest rate and is for 20 years. The loan would not be issued until the remaining funding is secured.

PJ Azzarella with Tri-County attended the meeting virtually and discussed their needs. “A critical component of our golf course is having the clubhouse,” he said.

Azzarella said after the fire they lost 20 paying memberships of about 40 people. “We don’t have the adequate funds in place to finish the job and get the certificate of occupancy to get us back open again,” he said.

Azzarella said they employ more than 50 people and he is concerned that if the clubhouse isn’t reopened, some people will have to be let go. “We’re trying to right that ship. We feel like we can get a lot of those members back,” he said.

They do have a temporary clubhouse but that can only hold up to 100 people. “Our regular clubhouse can hold 200, so it’s a big difference in the amount of outings that we can have,” he said.

Besides the loan, Tri-County is also seeking a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes.

Strandburg said the PILOT is for reconstruction and expansion of the clubhouse. “The project will expand the previous floor plan, and provide an updated kitchen, bar and dining area with new modern amenities,” she said.

If approved, the PILOT would be for 15 years, with sales, mortgage, and property tax abatement.

Once the work is completed, Tri-County plans on hiring an additional 10 staff members within three years.

The county IDA approved a “due diligence” resolution, which allows the IDA to start the process, by exploring the tax incentives and holding a public hearing.

County IDA Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise said the Hanover Town Board is in favor of the proposed PILOT.

The IDA will need to give final approval at a future meeting for the proposed tax breaks to take effect.