WARREN Avalon operator puts rent in escrow

Joy blames the weather and adverse publicity for the lack of business.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The operator of Avalon South Golf Course was to begin putting monthly rent deposits in an escrow account today.
Tony Joy Jr., who runs the city-owned course, said he would put the $9,926 payment in a Second National account.
"My business has been way down and this payment is going to hurt, but I'm doing what the judge ordered," Joy said Tuesday.
Under an agreement with the city, he is to pay a percentage of revenue from green fees, food, alcohol, golf-cart rental and other items into the escrow account.
"I grossed $79,399.42 for June, which is way down," Joy said. "Last June, I made $107,412. Even though I'm not making money, I'm still making sure the city is getting their share."
Joy said the weather and adverse publicity about the golf course contributed to the lack of business in June.
"I just wish people would come out and play the course," Joy said.
Lawsuit filed
Joy has filed a lawsuit against the city, contending breach of contract after the city tried to evict him as course operator earlier this year.
The city cited unpaid rental fees, failure to pay a bank loan and failure to maintain liability insurance.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday before Judge Andrew D. Logan of Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
Joy has operated the city-owned course in Howland since the late 1980s.
Joy said he is also providing a monthly accounting ledger to the city. He said Judge Logan told city officials during the last pretrial hearing they could go to the course and review financial documents. He said no one has done so.
Greg Hicks, city law director, could not be reached.
"Everything is open here," Joy said. "I don't have any problem with the city sending someone to look over the documents."
Daniel Thomas, one of the attorneys representing Joy, said his client wants to make money for himself as well as the city.
sinkovich@vindy.com