Abilene selects Lone Star to manage Maxwell Golf Course and approves up to $300,000 for initial repairs

The Abilene City Council on Tuesday approved a 10-year management agreement with Lone Star Golf Course Management LLC to operate Maxwell Golf Course and authorized up to $300,000 in year-one funds for repairs and improvements.

Leslie Andrews, director of parks and recreation, said the city sought management proposals after earlier attempts to sell or otherwise privatize the course, and that Lone Star—represented at the meeting by Kyle King—was selected by the evaluation committee. The initial not-to-exceed $300,000 allowance is proposed for items such as roof replacement for the pro shop and maintenance building, floor replacement with commercial-grade LVT, water-heater replacement to bring systems up to code, minor cart-barn repairs, fence repair, parking-lot work and a new variable-frequency drive at the pump house.

Andrews said some work can be performed by city facilities staff while the most expensive item—the pro shop roof, estimated at $90,000–$120,000—will require separate bidding and council approval. She confirmed the $300,000 figure includes the expected roof cost but that the roof contract will return to council when bids are solicited.

Council members and the operator said the goal is to have Maxwell open and operational by Feb. 28 and to use course revenues to fund ongoing improvements rather than rely on ad valorem taxes. The council voted to approve the contract and the year-one funding arrangement.

Next steps: staff will proceed with contracting and seek bids for the roof when required; Lone Star plans to begin work immediately toward the target opening date.