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County golf funds report record rounds, propose capital work and automated mowers
Summary
Spokane County golf staff said rounds reached record levels, projected revenue growth for 2026, outlined capital needs (lift station, driving-range netting, equipment) and reviewed early results from autonomous mowers purchased this season.
Spokane County golf operations staff briefed commissioners Oct. 6 on record play volumes, revenues and planned capital projects for 2026, and reported favorable early results from autonomous mowing equipment.
Why it matters: County golf operations are run as enterprise funds that generate revenue to cover operations and capital. Sustained growth in rounds affects fund balances, capital planning and maintenance facility needs.
Key points: - Staff said there were roughly 97,000 rounds through August and that revenue was up about 11–14% year to date compared with 2024; staff expect to exceed prior-year totals for annual rounds. - The three county courses are managed with about 11 full-time equivalents; staff said they are operating efficiently with no current vacancies. - Capital priorities for 2026 include replacing a lift station at Latah Creek Golf Course, driving-range net and pole upgrades (staff cited new ball-flight dynamics as a reason to raise netting on two sides), and ongoing machinery replacement. Staff presented an initial capital package with $300,000 for machinery, $100,000 for an irrigation lift station and additional placeholder amounts; they said some projects are planned for 2027. - Staff explained a $2,000,000 contingency placeholder is being held to help fund a future maintenance facility project; they expect most of that to remain as beginning fund balance until a final plan is set. - The county reported having tested autonomous mowers at one course this season and said feedback has been positive: turf lines are consistent, machines can run in low light and a forthcoming software upgrade may allow the mowers to transit autonomously from maintenance buildings to work sites. Staff said this investment has produced operational efficiencies and potential future savings.
Limits and next steps: Staff said capital placeholders will be refined as the county works the 6‑year CIP and final budget. No formal funding decisions or votes were recorded at the meeting.
