Golf course advisory committee adopts one‑page work plan to study finances, promotion of Lago Vista Golf Course

The Lago Vista Golf Course Advisory Committee on May 27 approved a one‑page work plan directing members to investigate actions to improve the golf course’s financial position and to reinforce its value to residents and nonresidents.

The committee voted unanimously to adopt two high‑level focus topics: to “determine actions needed to optimize the long‑term financial position of the Lago Vista Golf Course” and to “reinforce the overall value of the Lago Vista Golf Course to both residents and nonresidents.” Members then identified three investigative subtopics under the financial focus: 1) define what financial “success” would look like for the course; 2) develop financial projections for the course; and 3) analyze ways to increase rounds played and revenue.

Committee members approved the April 22 meeting minutes by voice vote. No recorded roll‑call names were given on those motions; the committee chair confirmed unanimous consent on each vote.

Paul, the committee’s council liaison, and Gage, a city staff member, both addressed the group during the discussion. Gage briefed the committee on the scope of the irrigation subcommittee’s work and said design work by consultant Friese & Nichols is underway; the irrigation subcommittee will have an opportunity to review the consultant’s deliverables at a planned 40% design checkpoint. The committee discussed a design option—suggested by Adam Benefield and discussed by staff—to split the irrigation system into two loops to improve pressure balance and reduce pump capacity requirements.

Members spent most of the meeting shaping how the work plan will be presented to City Council. Several members said the city’s repeated concern about the course’s operating shortfalls makes the financial analysis a priority, while others noted that communicating the course’s non‑financial benefits (including its role in effluent disposal and its draw of nonresident golfers) is also important. The committee agreed those concerns are complementary and instructed volunteers to develop the investigative material.

Assignments and next steps: the committee agreed to keep the work plan to a single page for council review. Volunteers accepted assignments to develop the subtopics: one member volunteered to lead financial projections, another volunteered to document “what success looks like,” and Susie (city staff) and another committee member volunteered to begin collecting fee‑structure and competitor data. Members said they will follow up with staff (including Greg, the course manager, who was not present) for supporting figures and event/revenue data. The liaison said he will present the work plan to City Council at the council meeting scheduled for June 26, unless council requests an earlier slot.

The meeting closed after members agreed to meet again on June 24 in Council Chambers to receive progress reports from the volunteers and staff.