Payson council hears plan for short golf course expansion; staff to seek budget amendment using fund balance

Payson City officials reviewed a proposed multi-phase expansion of the Payson City Golf Course at the Sept. 17 council meeting, with staff recommending construction of a short (par-3) course as phase one to increase capacity, broaden participation and generate revenue to fund later phases.

Tracy, the city’s golf manager, told the council the course is operating near capacity and needs more playable product to meet demand. "We're right now, we're about at capacity. We work it at almost 100% capacity every day at the golf course," Tracy said, and gave utilization figures showing weekday throughput near 80% and weekend throughput near 96% on peak days.

Staff described the project as phased: (1) a short course intended to broaden play, attract families and open evening hours (including potential lighting), (2) a reception center and associated parking and amenities, (3) remodeling of existing buildings to match the new facilities and (4) an upgraded irrigation system. Staff emphasized that the phases are intended to be self-supporting: revenue created by the short course would be reinvested to build subsequent phases.

Design elements discussed included an approximately nine-hole short course (some holes with dual greens), family-oriented features, evening play with limited lighting, cart storage and a pavilion. Councilors raised concerns about lighting and dark-sky impacts; Tracy said lighting would be designed to minimize off-site illumination and hours could be limited on some evenings, and councilors suggested not operating late on Sunday nights to be sensitive to nearby residents.

Staff presented revenue projections under several utilization scenarios and said the city would use existing golf fund balance — not a bond or taxpayer levy — to pay for the short-course construction. "We're not asking for any bonding, any citizens. We're just asking if we can start this project with the money that we've saved," Tracy said.

Council members generally expressed support and asked staff to prepare a budget amendment for the next council meeting so work can begin. Council asked staff to further analyze parking needs, consider temporary gravel parking during construction, ensure food trucks are registered to remit local sales tax and maintain pricing options accessible to Payson residents. Staff said they would return with a formal budget amendment and implementation plan.

No final appropriation vote was taken Sept. 17; council direction was to proceed with staff preparing the amendment for formal action.