Oak Hills Authority approves $180,000 for second phase of golf bunkers; hears staffing and budget concerns

The Oak Hills Park Authority voted to approve up to $180,000 for the second phase of a golf-course bunker rebuild at its February meeting, after hearing reports from staff that the course has lost multiple full-time employees and is likely to run under budget on winter revenue.

The bunker funding approval was moved and seconded during the superintendent’s report and passed by voice vote. Jim Schell, Oak Hills Park Authority green superintendent, told members he had received two bids just under $240,000 and asked the authority to approve a reduced scope and budget of $180,000 now so the contractor and timing could be locked in. “I’m looking for a hundred and $80,000 of approval,” Schell said.

Why it matters: the work is a capital project that affects course condition and guest experience while the authority’s controller warned of short-term operating cash…