By Tia Lyons
Staff Writer
EL DORADO — The El Dorado City Council affirmed a 24-month commitment to allow for negotiations in the search of a new golf-cart lease for Lions Club Municipal Golf Course during their meeting on Thursday.
Mayor Frank Hash acknowledged that there have been discussions among some city officials about shutting down the golf course, which — while not a money-maker for the city — has operated at a deficit for years.
Financially, the outlook was not good for the facility in 2016. Though expenditures came in under-budget, play was down significantly at Lions Club, resulting in lower revenue.
City officials have said the depressed economy played a factor in lower play, and outgoing golf professional Michael Hoelzer said extreme heat and rain affected the prime playing months of the year.
As part of ongoing efforts to cut costs and boost revenue at the golf course, the El Dorado Parks and Playgrounds Commission voted in January not to renew Hoelzer’s contract, which expires on March 31.
The move will make way to hire a golf course manager, which city officials and commissioners have said is a less expensive option than a golf pro.
Hoelzer holds the lease for the existing 40-cart fleet, as allowed by a revision in his contract that was approved in 2015 by the city council and parks and playgrounds commission.
Per the amendment, Hoelzer purchased the city’s then-aging fleet of golf carts for which the city spent $52,000 in 2015 to repair, and leased 40 new carts for Lions Club.
Hoelzer said previously that he entered into the deal with the understanding that the city would assume the lease if he left Lions Club for any reason prior to the lease being paid.
City officials have said the agreement is not in writing, and they are reviewing the matter. Forty-two months remain on the lease at a cost of $36,000.
In the meantime, the Department of Public Works and parks and playgrounds commission are looking for cheaper lease alternatives, and Hash told council members on Thursday that 24 months is the minimum length for such contracts
“They couldn’t go further with negotiations unless we give them a two-year commitment,” Hash said.
Alderman Billy Blann asked if the council’s 24-month commitment was for the next two years of the golf course budget, saying that he disagreed with such a commitment.
“I think that’s putting the cart before the horse. I can’t support it for 24 months when we’re losing $15,000 a month out there,” Blann said.
Alderwoman Dianne Hammond said the budget issue will revert back to the council’s finance committee.
“With all of the changes, we’ll make adjustments. We couldn’t do anything until the contract expires with Mike Hoelzer,” Hammond said.
“The circumstances have changed dramatically this time around. We’re going to a more economical manager instead of a pro,” added Hash. “We’re doing some streamlining out there to cut overhead while at same time improving play.”
With a new management model at the Lions Club, Hash said he hopes there will also be a new attitude that will make playing there a more pleasant experience for golfers.
“Hopefully, there’ll be a new way of dealing with the customers out there. The parks and playgrounds commission thinks that changing management will bring less stress and make it more friendly,” Hash said. “It’s not a PGA course, so we don’t need PGS standards with starched shirts and things like that. We want people to go out there and have a good time,” Hash continued, referring to changes that were made to the dress code last year.
Alderman Willie McGhee and City Attorney Henry Kinslow noted there have also been discussions about expanding existing golf programs for children at Lions Club.
Blann held steadfastly to his position on the matter, saying, “Mayor, you’ve supported this thing diligently. You’ve done a good job, but I think we need to draw the line with the money.”
Blann cast the lone no vote on a motion for the 24-month commitment from the council.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.