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City approves 2024 budget amendments and raises Woodland Hills golf rates after review of 2024 performance
Summary
The commission approved a pair of budget amendments affecting the golf course and stormwater funds and adopted new 2025 Woodland Hills golf rates. Officials said 2024 saw higher-than-expected chemical and equipment costs at the course; proposed rate increases are expected to add about $17,000 in revenue.
The Fort Scott City Commission voted unanimously Dec. 17 to amend the 2024 budget for the golf course fund (Fund 219) and the stormwater fund (Fund 719), then approved updated rates for Woodland Hills Golf Course for 2025.
Why it matters: For the first time the golf course’s revenues and expenses have been separated into their own fund, making shortfalls visible. City leaders said higher chemical costs, increased equipment purchases and heavy use contributed to a budget gap in 2024.
During the public hearing, staff presented the projected year-end numbers: the golf course’s expenditures exceeded revenues by roughly $139,000 for 2024, while the stormwater fund’s overage was about $6,000. Staff told the commission the stormwater gap is small and will be covered by that fund’s revenues; the golf course gap reflects unplanned equipment purchases and higher chemical costs this year.
To address ongoing shortfalls, the commission approved a modest set of rate increases for greens fees, trail fees and some passes. Staff estimated those rate changes would generate about $17,000 in additional revenue if demand and usage hold steady in 2025. Commissioners and the clubhouse manager also discussed other revenue options — including revising tournament fee minimums and concession pricing — that would be pursued in coming months.
During the hearing staff also explained about $12,000 listed as refunds in the golf account are largely accounting entries caused by the Square payment system and not refunds to patrons; staff said those transactions are reprocessed when customers provide a business check.
The commission approved the budget amendment and the rate changes in roll-call votes. Commissioners and staff emphasized the golf course is a community service and that the city’s goal is to move the fund toward break-even over time by a combination of moderate rate increases, expense controls and tournament/event strategies.
