Council reviewing golf course finances
Three noteworthy items this week:
First, the City Council has wisely asked for a report on the city-owned Black Gold Golf Club that would include a review of profits anticipated when the course opened in 2001, an examination of the current financial picture and a look at future income projections.
Council members who voted to approve some $22 million for course construction in the 1990s were told the city could expect an annual $1 million in profits within five years, a figure far from accurate, especially when bond payments are added to course expenses.
Golf revenue was supposed to partially replace declining developer fees in the municipal budget as the city reached build-out and new construction waned, according to discussion at the time.
Instead, city officials face the possibility of using general fund monies to support the facility’s cash flow. Last week council delayed action on a resolution authorizing an advance of $1.33 million from the city’s general fund for turf renovations and operations.
And a proposal to convert 170 acres to Hybrid Bermuda could cost from $3.4 to $5.1 million plus an estimated $2.5 million income loss to close the course for renovation.
According to a city staff report, replacing the existing rye grass is “inevitable” if the city wants Black Gold to remain competitive with high-end courses and reduce maintenance and water costs, although delaying the conversion “as long as possible” is recommended.
Second, applications are due tomorrow for a position on the city’s five-member Traffic Commission to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of nine-year member Larry Larsen.
Larsen cited “public disclosure by a councilperson of a secret closed session meeting about my service, the permitting of unsubstantiated character assaults during a recent council meeting…and the potential of future litigation,” as reasons for leaving his post.
Council will paper-screen applicants and schedule in-person interviews before naming someone to serve through Dec. 31. Commissioners are limited to three four-year terms.
And third, an old-fashioned social note: an eclectic mix of city officials, friends and Model A Ford enthusiasts gathered at the Mariposa Avenue home of past water board candidate Dave Rosenberger to surprise Mayor Mark Schwing for his recent birthday.
Among 50-some guests were council members John Anderson and Nancy Rikel, interim City Manager Bill Kelly, Traffic Commissioner Mary Carbone and members of the O.C. Model A Club, which Schwing serves as president and pancake breakfast chief.
Partiers donned Schwing-imaged T-shirts prepared by daughter Suzanne to greet the mayor at the affair organized by wife Eileen. “Yes, I was surprised,” Schwing, 69, noted.
First, the City Council has wisely asked for a report on the city-owned Black Gold Golf Club that would include a review of profits anticipated when the course opened in 2001, an examination of the current financial picture and a look at future income projections.
Council members who voted to approve some $22 million for course construction in the 1990s were told the city could expect an annual $1 million in profits within five years, a figure far from accurate, especially when bond payments are added to course expenses.
Golf revenue was supposed to partially replace declining developer fees in the municipal budget as the city reached build-out and new construction waned, according to discussion at the time.
Instead, city officials face the possibility of using general fund monies to support the facility’s cash flow. Last week council delayed action on a resolution authorizing an advance of $1.33 million from the city’s general fund for turf renovations and operations.
And a proposal to convert 170 acres to Hybrid Bermuda could cost from $3.4 to $5.1 million plus an estimated $2.5 million income loss to close the course for renovation.
According to a city staff report, replacing the existing rye grass is “inevitable” if the city wants Black Gold to remain competitive with high-end courses and reduce maintenance and water costs, although delaying the conversion “as long as possible” is recommended.
Second, applications are due tomorrow for a position on the city’s five-member Traffic Commission to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of nine-year member Larry Larsen.
Larsen cited “public disclosure by a councilperson of a secret closed session meeting about my service, the permitting of unsubstantiated character assaults during a recent council meeting…and the potential of future litigation,” as reasons for leaving his post.
Council will paper-screen applicants and schedule in-person interviews before naming someone to serve through Dec. 31. Commissioners are limited to three four-year terms.
And third, an old-fashioned social note: an eclectic mix of city officials, friends and Model A Ford enthusiasts gathered at the Mariposa Avenue home of past water board candidate Dave Rosenberger to surprise Mayor Mark Schwing for his recent birthday.
Among 50-some guests were council members John Anderson and Nancy Rikel, interim City Manager Bill Kelly, Traffic Commissioner Mary Carbone and members of the O.C. Model A Club, which Schwing serves as president and pancake breakfast chief.
Partiers donned Schwing-imaged T-shirts prepared by daughter Suzanne to greet the mayor at the affair organized by wife Eileen. “Yes, I was surprised,” Schwing, 69, noted.
posted by Jim Drummond at 12:00 PM
<< Home