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Smithfield council hears golf course pitch for new carts and Tag Marshall system, approves fee to pay for it
Summary
Golf course staff told council they want nine replacement carts and a Tag Marshall in‑cart auditing system that would be paid by a $1 increase on 9‑hole rentals; the council approved a resolution to amend the fee schedule to implement the increase and enable Tag Marshall by July 1.
Golf course staff on Wednesday asked the Smithfield City Council to approve two near‑term investments: purchase nine replacement golf carts and implement a Tag Marshall in‑cart auditing and geofencing system to improve pace of play, safety and equipment tracking.
Eric, the pro‑shop manager, told the council the nine carts would keep the fleet current and that the Tag Marshall system would be leased on a monthly basis. "If we rented the golf carts 23,000 times right now, we go up $1," Eric said, adding that the revenue from a $1 increase on 9‑hole rentals would cover the monthly lease cost and that the system would start July 1 if approved.
Course superintendent Zach described accompanying capital and maintenance needs at the golf course: a bed‑knife grinder for mowing equipment, a self‑contained sweeper to collect aerification cores and leaves, rough and fairway mower replacements, and a long‑term irrigation modernization project. Zach said parts of the course still rely on irrigation infrastructure from the 1960s and 1970s and estimated only about 60–65% of the course is covered by the automatic system today; he reported frequent irrigation breaks last year.
Council discussion focused on financing and operational details. Staff said the Tag Marshall lease would likely be a minimum three‑year contract and that the pro shop plans to fund it with the modest rental rate increase and with advertising or other revenue sources. The council then took up Resolution 2026‑04 to amend the city's prevailing fee schedule to allow the $1 cart fee increase; a member moved approval, a second was recorded, and the council voted by voice to pass the resolution.
What it means: If implemented as proposed, golfers could see the Tag Marshall system and the revised fee schedule in effect July 1; the pro shop expects the additional revenue stream to cover the lease and suggested the system would produce data to inform future equipment and cart‑path work.
