Devine council moves to renegotiate golf contract and approves several invoice reimbursements

The Devine City Council voted July 16 to pursue renegotiation of the Devine Golf Group's management contract and approved reimbursement for multiple invoices the group submitted.

Mayor Butch Cook said the city completed the golf clubhouse punch list and that the council wanted the golf operation to succeed, but he asked the body whether to seek changes to the existing contract. The council voted 4–1 to pursue renegotiation.

Council members then considered a series of invoices submitted by the Devine Golf Group. The A1 Fire & Safety invoice for $465.26 (inspection/maintenance of fire suppression equipment) drew a split vote: an initial motion to deny payment failed, and a subsequent motion to reimburse the Devine Golf Group in full passed 3–2. Council members who opposed full reimbursement said the city should not absorb all tenant operational costs; supporters cited the city's prior direction for safety work and the clubhouse status.

The council also approved reimbursement on multiple STX Electrical invoices: a May 23 invoice for $137 (pump not working) was reimbursed at 50% (unanimous); a April 1 invoice for $909.65 (repair of back water pump) and a Nov. 3, 2023 invoice for $850 (replacement of a water well controller enclosure) were each reimbursed at 50% (unanimous); an Aug. 1, 2023 invoice for $2,250 (purchase and installation of two attic exhaust fans) was reimbursed at 100% (unanimous).

Council indicated the city will continue discussions with the Devine Golf Group about the management relationship and that the clubhouse is slated to be turned over to the group on Aug. 15, 2024, per a separate update from the city administrator.