Crawford golf course seeks $492,332 budget; superintendent requests $109,356 in equipment

Representatives for Crawford’s golf course told the July 29 budget workshop that the enterprise fund is requesting $492,332 for the coming fiscal year, an increase of roughly $200,000 from recent years. Missi Suchor, the clubhouse manager, and board member Dawson Moody said the season’s two large tournaments showed potential for up to $18,000 more in revenue in the busiest part of the season, but Moody added that financial statements for the previous two years were not available to confirm profits.

Amanda Lager, the golf superintendent, told council the course needs new equipment estimated at $109,356 and highlighted irrigation and drainage as priorities to restore the course’s competitive condition. Mayor Shane Norman said irrigation should be a top priority; Suchor said she could operate on a "shoe‑string" budget based on current season work but still listed kitchen equipment and drainage fixes on the wish list.

City staff said they were unable to locate documentation for a referenced $30,000 Department of Revenue reimbursement mandate and noted that golf revenues were negative in 2021 and positive in 2022–23.

Council discussion focused on whether price increases or gradual rate adjustments could help the course’s bottom line; Dawson Moody favored gradual increases and questioned whether last-year profit figures could be produced. The council requested more complete financials and clarified that golf had been asked to include a wish list to justify capital requests.

No formal vote was taken on the golf budget during the workshop; council asked staff and course leadership to return with documented recent financials and prioritized needs for irrigation and equipment.