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Ode to the muni
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Editor’s note: In August, GCSAA launched its newest addition to the forums – Municipal Square, dedicated to the unique challenges faced at city, county, state or other government structures operating golf courses. The following are from the first few posts on the new forum.
Let me be the first to thank GCSAA for creating this new forum for those of us employed at municipalities. There are often challenges that are unique to a municipal environment, and this forum can be a great tool for specifically addressing those needs.
— Kerry Satterwhite, CGCS
Director of Golf Course Maintenance
City of Bloomington, Ill.
23-year GCSAA member
I echo your comments and thank GCSAA for creating this forum. Until I started with the city about 6 1⁄2 years ago, I never realized how unique some of the challenges would be. I’m looking forward to some great discussions in the months ahead.
— Gary K. Carls, CGCS
Golf Course Operations Supervisor
City of Sunnyvale, Calif.
25-year GCSAA member
Mark Woodward had a few interesting articles written in Sports Illustrated about his operation at Torrey Pines and the joys of municipal politics. While the dollar figures were certainly different in Mark’s case, it was kind of fun to read the comments of the opponents and recognize many of my own members in those comments. This forum should be a big help to all in muni operations.
— Tom Forsythe, Director of Golf
City of Thunder Bay Golf Courses
Ontario, Canada
15-year GCSAA member
In Florida, municipal courses are considered enterprise funds -— meaning our revenue must cover our expenses. Every dollar used at my course comes through the cash register. I am sure there is much that can be learned between “muni” courses and privately owned courses. After all, we have the cash register in common.
— Scott Wahlin, CGCS
Golf Course Superintendent
Links at Boynton Beach
Boynton Beach, Fla.
20-year GCSAA member
In Stamford, Conn., I am considered an enterprise fund/self-sufficient. I have a five-member golf commission. I can make recommendations to the commission and we basically make decisions together. I then have to send a letter to the mayor detailing the rates. If he approves, he sends it to the park and rec committee of the board of representatives, who then schedules a public meeting to discuss these rates. Depending on the reaction, it goes back to park and rec, who then vote to approve or disapprove (they may amend based on the public meeting). If they approve, it goes to the full board of reps meeting. This can take two to three months to happen. Ouch!
— Michael Sullivan
Golf Course Superintendent
Brennan Municipal GC
Stamford, Conn.
19-year GCSAA member
At our facilities, we establish maximum fees in our budget submittal that can be charged by each facility based upon historical information and surveys of the local market. The parks and recreation department director has delegated authority to adjust the fees by season and golf market conditions up to the established maximum. This has given us all the flexibility we need. ...
— Paul Connell, Contracts Manager
Palm Beach County Parks
and Recreation Department
Lake Worth, Fla.
11-year GCSAA member
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