by Richard Uhlhorn
The Chelan Park’s Advisory Board called a special meeting on Monday, June 1 to discuss the National Golf Foundation’s final report on the Lake Chelan Golf Course.
Chairman Linda Reister reminded those attending the meeting that, “We are just an advisory board.” She stated that the meeting was to go back through what the board’s thoughts are.
Parks Director Audrey Cooper said, “I wanted to have a conversation with you all.” She said she wanted to look at the big picture of structure and oversight and to break down a variety of options on operating expenses.
Board member Brad Nelson said the final report was an excellent review of the golf course. “I want to talk a little bit more about structure,” he said. “We have the opportunity to work with the team we have. It might be a good path to hire out.” Cooper replied that there were three options; 1.- stay autonomous as a city owned golf course. 2. – bring in a management team, and 3. – lease the property. “We are looking for operational savings and revenue,” said Cooper.
Nelson said the city would have to understand what a third party would bring and how much revenue the city would require. Nelson added that the city would need to retain in-house oversight of any plan they recommended. Cooper added that the city would need to build in incentives.
Reister stated that the question was how to fund the course if the city maintained it as a self-owned operation. Matt Engstrom added that the course needs to cut its operational expense.
Todd Higley stated that he couldn’t think of anyone who would want to take on $5 to $6 million in infrastructure costs. “Its hard to discuss how to fix operational costs,” said Higley. In addition the amount of funds the city takes for its interfund use. “Parks should be reimbursed for some of that,” he said.
Nelson added that the course’s economic impact from all of the parks amenities comes from outside sources. Janet Heg added that if the interfund process was removed, the course would be economically positive.
Cooper requested that the board come up with some proposals. “We are going to start working on next year’s budget.”
Heg suggested looking into a community bond (recreational tax district) or maybe a commercial loan (which probably wouldn’t work) or money transferred in from the city. Higley also mentioned a tax, but said it would probably be voted down.
Audrey brought up golf cart storage funding. Engstrom suggested new membership opitons. “An annual payment opens a lot of opportunities,” Engstrom said. “Annual membership has grown over the last five years.”
Nelson suggested raising rates and to open up the Golf Shop for LOGO wear. He also suggested that the required capital improvements (irrigation) be done in segments. “Due a few this year and few next year. Break it up in smaller sections,”
Cooper suggested lodging tax dollars.
Other ideas included commercial sponsorships or private investments.
Operationally, Cooper would like to see more use out of the driving range.
Reister brought up the Food & Beverage that is still under contract and the city receives no funds from that operation. The contract will be up in 2027 at which point a new contract can be negotiated.
Engstrom liked the idea of a capital investment fund.
All Things Lake Chelan 