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Council hears debate over municipal golf course losses, possible privatization and near-term investments
Summary
Council and staff discussed ongoing losses at the municipal golf course, a consultant’s recommendations, proposed capital and operating investments (including golf cart replacement and GPS), rate changes and whether portions should be privatized.
Kingman city staff and councilors spent an extended portion of the work session reviewing the municipal golf course’s finances and operations, where several councillors urged stronger performance metrics and considered privatization or alternative management.
The nut graf: Staff described multi-year losses at the course, said the city has hired a consultant to recommend improvements and proposed capital investments—including golf cart fleet replacement, GPS units, driving-range turf and lighting—to improve playability and revenue. Councilors pressed for measurable benchmarks and asked staff for comparative data on privatization and past private-contractor revenue performance.
Staff said the course has been loss-making in recent years and that improvements are intended to raise rounds played and non-resident revenues. The budget includes a capital proposal to replace the golf-cart fleet (price shown in capital plan) and add GPS units to new carts; staff said last carts were purchased during COVID and showed quality problems. Staff also proposed adding lighting and an artificial turf driving-range strip to extend usable hours and reduce turf damage.
Councilors asked for operational data and benchmarks. Requests included the percent of local residents who use the facility, historical revenue and expense comparisons for the years when a private concession operated the pro shop and bar/restaurant, counts of seasonal passes, and the financial effect of the city taking back the bar and restaurant operation in 2019. Staff agreed to provide the requested usage and financial records and to return with a marketing plan and benchmarks tied to capital investments and rate changes.
Councilors also asked the golf commission to weigh in on optional equipment (GPS) and on a schedule of resident discounts versus nonresident rates. Staff said a modest resident discount combined with higher nonresident fees is being considered. Some councilors suggested exploring privatization again for the bar and restaurant; staff noted a previous private arrangement had also shown losses.
Ending: Staff will provide more detailed usage and financial comparisons, a marketing plan and targeted benchmarks for capital and rate recommendations before council votes on larger capital outlays.
