Pryor officials discuss golf-cart funding model, bid process and two staff promotions at Prior Creek Golf Course

Pryor officials discussed replacement and funding strategies for Prior Creek Golf Course’s fleet after staff reported a $145,000 estimated trade-in value for 50 existing carts.

Dennis Bowman, golf course director, told the board the facility currently has 50 carts and staff had received a proposal from a vendor. Board members debated whether to sell the existing carts and place proceeds in a money-management or sinking fund — "put that money in a money market and pull interest off it yearly" — to pay for future cart leases or purchases. Proponents said a sinking fund would provide recurring interest income and make future budgeting for carts more predictable.

Board members considered leasing versus buying. The discussion covered procurement procedures: purchases above $25,000 require sealed bids under city purchasing rules, and members were advised that quotes are not a substitute for sealed bids when the total exceeds charter thresholds. The board asked director Bowman to prepare formal specifications for carts, including options for lease and purchase and requests for additional features such as GPS tracking. Board members agreed to table the bidding/quote item to the next meeting and directed staff to prepare specs and a bid package.

The board also considered personnel items at the golf course. Members voted to recommend hiring Chris Hirt as assistant superintendent and to promote Russell Boren to equipment manager, both actions approved by voice vote during the meeting.

Board members recommended a special meeting or a focused work session later to address the full set of golf course needs, including clubhouse and capital planning. Officials emphasized that the golf enterprise must remain self-sustaining and that any lease or purchase plan should be evaluated against long-term capital needs and maintenance costs.