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Volunteers urge La Paz County to protect golf-course volunteer hours, suggest staffing changes
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Summary
Volunteers at Emerald Canyon Golf Course told the Board that long, early-morning and late-night shifts and an announced reduction in the value of banked volunteer hours have strained the program; they asked the county to better coordinate assignments, limit unnecessary staffing and consider hiring a PGA professional.
Volunteers who help maintain Emerald Canyon Golf Course told the La Paz County Board of Supervisors that they perform early- and late-day maintenance tasks — including yardage and hazard staking, collecting carts and cleaning — and that recently announced changes will reduce the value of previously banked volunteer hours.
"It's like somebody reaching in my pocket and taking money out of my pocket that I didn't know was gonna happen," said Steve Arris, who identified himself as one of the volunteers. He said volunteers arrive before daylight and often leave after dark and urged the county to respect and coordinate volunteer efforts.
Speakers asked the county to consider operational adjustments to reduce volunteer fatigue and reliance, including not staffing a ranger before 8 a.m., using fewer rangers during early shifts, consolidating rover duties and ensuring sand bottles on carts allow golfers to repair divots themselves. One public commenter also suggested the county hire a PGA professional to organize tournaments and provide technical support.
Board members acknowledged the need for volunteers but did not change policy during the meeting. The board approved routine consent items related to county operations and moved on to the regular agenda.
