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Golf course irrigation bid far above estimate; CPC to request capital plan from select board
Summary
A bid for a golf course irrigation project came in at $718,000 — significantly higher than previously budgeted — prompting the Community Preservation Committee to ask the select board and golf course committee for an updated capital plan and for confirmation of outstanding revolving funds before any reallocation of golf revenues is considered.
Committee members were briefed that a recent bid for irrigation work at the town golf course arrived at $718,000 — roughly $243,000 higher than the budget estimate cited to the committee — and that the town rejected the bid and plans to rebid the work.
The committee discussed a related town meeting warrant article that would permit unencumbered revolving fund balances in excess of $75,000 to be used for general fund operational purposes. Several committee members said they were uneasy with redirecting large revenues now generated by the golf operation before the golf course’s own capital needs are fully identified and funded.
The committee noted that CPC has supported many golf‑course projects previously and that CPC (and voters) may expect town leaders to prioritize immediate capital needs — for example, irrigation and maintenance‑building repairs — before allowing substantial revolving‑fund balances to be moved into the general fund. The committee agreed to send the select board and golf course committee a request for an updated capital plan and a clear accounting of existing funds and previously committed dollars before the CPC takes an official position on the article.
Committee chair (reporting the update) said the town would rebid the irrigation project after rejecting the initial low‑response procurement; staff reported there was one disqualified late bidder and that the procurement is being reopened to attract more competition.
Next steps The committee directed staff to draft a short letter to the select board and golf course committee asking for: (1) a clear list of outstanding golf course capital needs (irrigation, maintenance building, etc.); (2) the current revolving fund balance and any prior commitments of those funds; and (3) an estimate of anticipated near‑term capital requirements so the CPC can evaluate whether redirecting revenues is appropriate.
Committee members said they will discuss the item further at the committee’s next meeting and may take a position in advance of town meeting if the select board and golf course committee provide the requested information.
