Council delays golf-course architect hire, cites budget and marketing questions

Kingman — The City Council on Tuesday denied a request to hire a golf-course architect to create a master plan, with members saying the timing and cost were not appropriate given current budget priorities and a desire to increase golf revenues first.

Parks Director Mike Meersman told council the Parks and Recreation Department and the Golf Commission had asked for a professional golf-course architect to lay out possible turf reductions, long-term irrigation fixes and project phasing; a draft estimate for a full master plan ranged from about $35,000 to $50,000 depending on scope. Meersman said earlier assessments this year — an irrigation study (about $4,000) and a course consultant report (about $7,000) — produced recommendations the department is already implementing.

Council members, including Vice Mayor Samley and Councilor Savage, said they support improving the course but prefer to prioritize marketing and operational changes that could boost revenue before spending general-fund dollars on a master plan. Councilor Savage said he would "like to see a cost estimate" for implementation, and Councilor Staley urged staff to let the newly hired golf professional start work and provide input before pursuing a master plan.

Councilor Ward, who pulled the item to ask questions, said he could not support the expenditure now. The council voted on a motion to deny the authorization and to encourage staff to include the item in the next fiscal-year budget; the motion carried.

Parks staff will continue implementing earlier consultant recommendations and provide weekly reports to the Golf Commission on progress. Council asked that staff bring back options after new marketing or revenue steps are underway and after the golf pro has had time to assess conditions.