OWENSVILLE — Four couples who lost golfing equipment in an Aug. 10, 2022, fire which destroyed an Owensville Golf Course shed will divide a $39,500 settlement reached with the city’s insurance carrier.

And, with the settlement which was finalized  Nov. 8, the city issued a statement Monday saying city officials “will be reviewing and likely terminating any remaining leases to avoid any future liability exposures.”

Privately-owned golf carts and golf clubs stored in the shed were among items destroyed in the blaze which believed to have started from an overheated battery in the cart being used that morning by golf course staff. The cart being used for course maintenance was owned by a course staff member.

The four couples listed as plaintiffs filed the petition to dismiss their cause of action, with prejudice, and the court ruled each party should bear their own legal costs.

“Under the guidance of counsel and our insurance carrier, a resolution was made with plaintiffs to avoid future litigation,” according to a statement from City Administrator Randy Blaske.

He added that based on further legal advice, the city is expected to review the remaining leases and cease renting shed space for rentals of private golf carts.

Settlements were reached with Michael and Melissa Graham for $17,000, Chris and Monique Epstein for $13,000, Alan and Dana Curtner for $5,000, and Brad and Tammy Bagwell for $4,500.

All four couples agreed to the settlement and on Oct. 18, according to court records in a “stipulation for dismissal” filed earlier this month in Gasconade County Circuit Court.

City-owned equipment including a mower, aerator, and spreader were also among items destroyed.