Council OKs golf-course pump-station upgrades, cites aging infrastructure and energy savings

The Snowflake Town Council voted July 5 to approve upgrades to pump stations across the town’s 27-hole golf course, citing decades-old infrastructure and potential energy and maintenance savings.

Brian Richards, town staff member, said much of the golf course infrastructure is ‘‘as old as 40 years’’ and recommended upgrades from established pump-station providers. Richards described the request as "a big ask" but said it would improve playability and reduce long-term maintenance costs. He presented two cost options for the West 9 pump station — $149,100 for a temporary structure or $183,500 for a building to house the equipment — and two figures for Temple 9 ($33,700 and $23,300). Council described the West 9 station as the top priority.

Richards also reported that golf course revenues have doubled in the past four years and are currently about $600,000 annually; he said finishing debt service next year will generate roughly $140,000 in recurring savings that help the course reach a target operating posture. Council approved the pump-station upgrades and directed the work to proceed, with funding to come from the general fund subsidy the town provides to the golf course.

The council recorded the approval by motion (Greg Brimhall moved; JoAnne Guderian seconded) and the motion passed unanimously with Cory Johnson and Joe Bjornn absent.