Owasso Public Golf Authority approves 60-month lease-to-purchase for mowing equipment, declares older units surplus

The Owasso Public Golf Authority voted unanimously to declare certain mowing equipment surplus and authorize disposal, and approved a 60-month lease-to-purchase agreement for replacement equipment to support maintenance at Bailey Ranch.

Chris Kirk Cook, a staff presenter, told trustees the grounds department has followed a five-year fleet replacement plan since 2014 to keep course conditions competitive. "Meeting customer expectations is foundational to the success of any golf facility and Bailey Ranch is no different," Cook said. He said the plan prevents equipment from remaining in service beyond its useful life.

Staff reported the solicitation was published on the City of Owasso website on Sept. 12 with a one-week bid window; three vendors responded and two bids met minimum specifications. Based on the bids that met all specifications, P and K Equipment was the eligible low bidder. Staff reported total payments of $492,673.56 over a 60-month lease term, with $421,543.25 attributable to the mowing equipment and $71,130.31 in interest (an implied interest rate of about 6.25%), and monthly payments of $8,203.23. Cook said funding for the monthly lease payments is available in the OPGA 2025–2026 budget.

Cook summarized why replacements were needed: several units from the prior cycle had passed their useful life, driving costly repairs and shop downtime. "It's made all the difference in the world," he said of the replacement cycle, noting fewer breakdowns and lower parts purchases. He also said the authority has an in-house mechanic who handles repairs and that the maintenance shop is located near the 11th fairway at Bailey Ranch.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about the lease-to-purchase structure and repairs. Staff said the lease-to-purchase option creates equity in the machinery at the end of the contract period, which could be applied to future leases or purchases, and confirmed an in-house mechanic performs most repair work.

Trustees moved and seconded the motions to (1) declare the identified mowing equipment surplus and authorize disposal/trade-in and (2) approve the lease-to-purchase agreement with the eligible bidder. The votes were recorded as unanimous: Alvin Prejudge (chair) — yes; Paul Loving (vice chair) — yes; Chad Balfrop (trustee) — yes; Cody Walter (trustee) — yes.

Staff recommended proceeding with the lease-to-purchase and using surplus units as trade-in value where appropriate. The authority did not adopt additional conditions or amendments to the proposal during the meeting.

The meeting then received routine reports (the OPGA manager had no report), acknowledged official notices, and adjourned.