Oak Hills Park Authority approves 2026–27 operating and capital budgets, OKs $300,000 course-improvement package

The Oak Hills Park Authority voted unanimously to approve its 2026–2027 operating and capital budgets after a detailed review of timing and scope changes in the capital plan.

The authority’s finance director, Mark, told members the updated operating forecast shows roughly $2.799 million in revenue and a budgeted net operating income of about $512,532; small timing and rounding changes to capital and debt items produced a net $2,000 swing in cash impact. Mark said May results were strong — revenues came in about $71,000 above budget but expenses were also elevated, driven by wages, utilities and maintenance.

The capital discussion focused on several line items the board adjusted before the vote. The board retained a $300,000 line for what staff described as “existing cart-path repairs” but Superintendent Jim Shell and others clarified that the work goes beyond paving: it would include reconfiguring tees, drainage improvements on holes 1, 2, 4 and 6, and other course-improvement work. Jim said doing the number-two cart path — which requires switching the routing to the left side of the fairway — would likely force a front-six closure for a period, and he proposed doing the work mid- to late-October to avoid peak season.

Board members also acknowledged scope reductions elsewhere: the pro-shop renovation estimate was trimmed from roughly $70,000 to $20,000; $30,000 was set aside for asphalt repairs on the main road; and the general reserve was reduced modestly to accommodate priorities. Denise Brown and others flagged that certain tennis-related capital numbers (irrigation or court rebuilding costs) may be understated and will need follow-up.

Chair Alan Dutton moved to approve the package as presented; Rich (Richard) Dinger seconded. Members recorded unanimous affirmative votes and the motion passed.

The board and staff said they would finalize contractor timing and communicate any short-term impacts — including potential prorated play options — before work begins. The authority also noted that the capital and long-range plans would be coordinated so short-term projects do not conflict with multiyear course investments.

Action: The authority approved the 2026–2027 operating and capital budgets (motion moved by Alan Dutton; seconded by Richard Dinger; recorded unanimous vote of members present).