Council members press parks staff on golf course funding; revenue bonds deemed not viable now

Council members used a Feb. 3 Parks, Trails and Environment Committee session to press staff on funding for golf‑course renovations, including the Stevens Park restroom and kitchen project and the larger list of golf projects that had been discussed during the 2024 bond process.

Councilmember West asked why revenue bonds — discussed publicly during the bond campaign — were later judged not to be a viable financing mechanism for golf‑course renovation. John and other staff said they had explored options; Parks staff reported the bond office advised in December that there was limited appetite for straight revenue bonds for golf courses because of perceived risk and higher interest costs. Jack Ireland, the city’s chief financial officer, told the committee that from a financial perspective he did not support issuing revenue bonds tied to golf courses earlier in the bond development process.

"Early on in the bond program development ... I did indicate at the time that I did not think it was a feasible project for issuing some type of revenue bonds," Jack Ireland said, explaining the financial office's judgement.

Parks staff said they will not await a change in revenue bond appetite and instead will proceed using available multi‑year golf funds and staged projects; staff said that approach will allow smaller‑scale renovations to proceed without a new revenue bond issuance. The department noted it still has an identified $1,000,000 allocation for Cedar Crest from the bond package and will prioritize renovations using internal funds and future scheduling.

Committee members also raised ADA questions tied to specific repairs. Councilmembers asked whether previously authorized ADA bond funds remain available for projects such as Stevens Park restrooms; Jenny Niswander of the bond office said she would check historical bond accounts and report back to the committee.

Parks finance staff explained how green fees are used: a portion of golf revenue supports the general fund while another portion flows to a multi‑year fund that pays for capital and debt. Staff said the Dallas Water Utilities loan tied to golf funding is scheduled to be repaid by 2034; after repayment, staff said the department expects more funds to flow to the multi‑year capital balance. The committee asked staff to provide periodic updates on multi‑year fund balances and planned golf projects.