Flandreau council declines golf course request to buy new greens mower amid mixed finances

FLANDREAU — The Flandreau City Council voted not to purchase a new greens mower for the Flandreau Golf Course after council members said the club did not provide sufficiently clear financial information and because the city is facing competing budget pressures.

Charlie, a representative of the Flandreau Golf Course, told the council the course had a roughly $20,000 loss this year and asked the city to consider buying a Greensmower for the course. Charlie said the course had received subsidies in prior years and that equipment quotes included new, rebuilt and used options from Midwest Turf and Irrigation.

Cole, a city staff member who helped coordinate the request, told the council the course manager Jason had provided a packet of financials and mower quotes. Council members disagreed about which numbers reflected year-end results: some reviewed a packet showing a $20,349 loss as of Dec. 31, 2024; others noted November year-to-date figures showing a $5,504.15 profit. Councilors said they needed clarified end-of-year financials from Jason before agreeing to major purchases.

Several aldermen pressed the golf course for past reporting and minutes. Alderman Birkey (also spelled Bierke in parts of the transcript) noted the city had provided about $110,000 to the course over the last five years and said he had not received minutes documenting how that money was spent. Alderman Birkey, Alderman Mike (given in transcript as “Bierke”), and others raised concerns about making a $45,000 purchase while the city recently put money toward a $200,000 fire truck and other capital needs.

Council members discussed alternatives such as leasing options, city-assisted bidding to find a better price, or using in‑kind city labor. They also discussed course infrastructure costs, including irrigation repairs that have reduced operating problems in recent years; one council member said irrigation was “80 or 90% functioning” after recent work.

Alderman Farjane moved that the council not purchase a greens mower for the golf course; Alderman Birkey seconded. After brief discussion and with a request that staff follow up with Jason for clarified financials, the motion carried by voice vote.

Council members asked that Jason provide end-of-year financial statements and clearer breakdowns of revenues, expenses, and the specific purpose for any requested city subsidy before the council would consider further action.

The council did not authorize a purchase and left open the option of revisiting the request after staff follow-up.