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Bethlehem highlights golf‑course turnaround as enterprise fund posts record revenue indicators
Summary
City officials told council the municipal golf operation is on track to set a new revenue record after capital upgrades and stronger play; leaders outlined lease renewals, year‑round simulator operations and plans to replace a deteriorated cart barn. Council pressed for acreage and renovation cost estimates.
City officials presented the Golf Course Enterprise Fund as the first item in the 2026 budget hearings, saying the municipal course is now self‑sustaining after capital investments and increased patronage.
Eric Evans, the city’s business administrator, introduced Paul Viola, the golf course’s PGA pro and general manager, who described operations and recent improvements: two courses (an 18‑hole and a 9‑hole), a driving range, a year‑round golf simulator in the former cart barn and a leased restaurant (Clubhouse Grill) that recently renewed a multi‑year agreement.
Evans and Viola said the fund pays its direct costs and contributes to the general fund (Evans noted a $150,000 transfer), and they pointed to steady gains in revenues since 2021. Evans cited a current fund performance ratio of 2.237 and said the administration expects to reach roughly 2.3 if late‑season play holds.
"So we're at 2.237 with two months. So there's a very good chance November has been kind enough," Evans said, describing weather and seasonal variability.
Council members praised staff for the turnaround and asked about specifics: the Clubhouse Grill will take over the clubhouse first floor and renovate bathrooms; the former cart barn was repurposed as a simulator and its lease runs through 2027; engineers report the aging second cart barn is beyond renovation and plan to keep the foundation and build upward in a multi‑story design to increase storage and equipment capacity.
Paul Viola said the course runs with four year‑round full‑time employees (including himself and course superintendent Chris Judd) and a larger seasonal crew; he estimated the full facility encompasses about 246 acres and said the 9‑hole course records roughly 17,000–19,000 rounds per year while the combined facilities do between 36,000 and 39,000 rounds.
Council asked for follow‑up details: acreage of the 9‑hole parcel, cost estimates for the barn replacement and clarification of staffing and seasonal workload. Evans said engineering would move the barn replacement into design next summer and that the administration is seeking contractor quotes before committing to a renovation cost in the capital plan.
The council accepted the presentation and questions; Paul Viola remained available to answer subsequent inquiries. There was no public comment on the golf item.
