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Finance committee releases nearly $3 million to keep city golf courses running; roll-call vote records opposition
Summary
After debate over structural deficits, the committee approved a revised release of $2,969,658 to sustain golf course operations through March 2007; Supervisor Daly voted no in a recorded roll-call.
The Budget and Finance Committee approved a revised release of reserve funds to support San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department golf-course operations through March 2007, voting by roll-call after a lengthy policy discussion about the Golf Fund's structural deficit.
Department staff told the committee consultants from the National Golf Foundation are analyzing options to address a structural imbalance driven by historic underinvestment and faster expenditure growth than revenue. The department requested a reserve release to avoid immediate service disruptions while a long-term solution is developed.
Supervisor Daly voiced skepticism and said he would vote against the release as a policy statement about fiscal priorities; Supervisors Dufty and Peskin voted aye. The clerk recorded the roll-call: Dufty, aye; Peskin, aye; Daly, no. Budget staff clarified the appropriate release amount based on the reserve on hand at $2,969,658.
Committee members pressed the department and consultants for an "end game" and for data-driven recommendations; the department acknowledged all options are on the table, including course consolidation, capital investment and other changes.
The committee's approval releases the identified reserve for operational needs while the analysis continues. The department and consultants are expected to return with recommendations ahead of the March 2007 horizon.
Ending: The committee released the funds and requested a consultant report on sustainable options for the Golf Fund; a recorded vote shows one dissent.
