Palm Coast — Several residents used the City Council meeting's public-comment period on July 1 to press elected officials about the Palm Harbor Golf Course's finances and the city's options for its future, warning that a hasty sale could leave the community without a course and that management and accounting practices need review.

James Janoff told the council he had compiled a detailed, itemized list of expenses for the course and questioned the city's revenue collection practices. Janoff said the city's posted target revenue for Palm Harbor is $1,455,000 and that his expenses list ranged up to $442,000 on certain items; he asserted the city is not collecting posted rates for rounds and memberships and urged the city to enforce posted fees.

Other speakers echoed concerns. Joe Runack cautioned that private purchasers can fail — citing Ormond Beach's Riverbend example — and urged the council to consider deed restrictions should the city decide to sell. Dennis McDonald praised Vice Mayor Pontieri for having investigated course finances and urged the council to take a citywide view of how management decisions affect revenue across departments.

Council response and next steps: Councilmembers acknowledged there are open questions. Vice Mayor Pontieri said she is continuing to research options, has received resident suggestions, and asked staff to reach out to other municipalities that operate courses. City Manager confirmed staff and council have received emails and that due diligence inquiries are ongoing; no formal action or sale authorization was taken at the July 1 meeting.

Outcome: No motion or vote occurred. Council directed staff to continue due diligence, consult comparable municipal operators, and report back to council.