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Committee forwards golf-course task force and fee authority to full Board after heated public testimony
Summary
Supervisors debated ordinances to expand Rec & Park's promotional/fee authority and create a golf-course task force; after widely divergent public testimony the committee amended membership and shortened the term to 18 months, then referred the package to the full Board without recommendation.
The Finance Committee considered a package of ordinances (Items 2–4) that would authorize the Recreation and Park Commission to modify golf-course hours and fees, establish a golf-course task force to explore ways to reduce general-fund support, and appropriate limited staff funding.
Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, sponsor of the ordinances, said the task force would examine management, revenue options and potential alternatives while keeping public control of city golf lands. He proposed narrowing the original three-year term to 18 months and adjusting membership to add more golfers and a public-health representative.
Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. Golf-course users, retired course managers and First Tee youth-program leaders argued courses should be preserved and better managed, with many urging improved maintenance and marketing rather than conversion. Speakers emphasized juniors' programs and affordability. Opponents and park/open-space advocates said city park lands may be an over-supply for golf and urged equity in field and open-space use. The Neighborhood Parks Council and coalition groups supported a public review that includes multiple stakeholders.
Supervisor McGoldrick offered amendments during the hearing: deleting language that would have allowed a 15% annual fee increase, expanding golfer representation on the task force, and shortening the task force term to 18 months with six-month reporting periods. The Budget Analyst recommended designating the senior administrative analyst position as limited-duration to match the 18-month task force term.
The committee then voted to refer the ordinances to the full Board on Aug. 14 "without recommendation." The roll call recorded at the hearing included Supervisor McGoldrick voting Aye, Supervisor Duffy voting No, and Supervisor Ammiano voting Aye; the clerk announced the items will proceed to the Board.
What happens next: The full Board will consider the package on Aug. 14; if approved the task force would begin outreach and periodic reporting. The Budget Analyst and Rec & Park staff will provide details on staffing and budget implications before the Board acts.
