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Sebastian considers modest golf‑rate changes, infrastructure investments and cart replacement planning
Summary
Golf staff proposed modest rate increases, a $20 hike to the resident discount card, a new $5 junior fee and $50,000 annual capital set‑aside; council discussed fertigation equipment (~$33,000) and the approaching need to replace or reconfigure the golf‑cart fleet as batteries near warranty limits.
Golf course manager Greg presented the golf course budget to the council, proposing small rate increases, a $20 increase to the resident discount card and a $5 junior green fee for players 15 and under.
Greg said the resident discount card—raised from $80 to $100 in the proposal—remains a useful revenue stream because it encourages repeat play. “If they play 10 times during the winter, they’ve made their $100 back,” he said.
Staff also discussed capital and maintenance needs: a $200,000 cart‑barn replacement was budgeted previously but staff will first evaluate a roof replacement and structural repairs to reduce costs; staff proposed continuing a modest $50,000 capital outlay to address turf and small course improvements.
Greg recommended adding fertigation equipment that would integrate chemical and fertilizer application into the irrigation system; he estimated a one‑time installation cost in the low tens of thousands (discussion put equipment near $33,000), saying it could improve turf quality and reduce broadcast spraying.
Council also examined golf‑cart lifecycle and battery issues: many lead‑acid batteries are reaching manufacturer warranty thresholds (about 25,000 amp‑hours), and staff expects ongoing warranty replacements but anticipates replacing a large portion of batteries or carts over the next year. Board members asked staff to evaluate battery replacement costs versus leasing or shifting to lithium or gas alternatives.
No final action was recorded; staff will refine the discount‑card structure (considering limits on uses), return with a more detailed capital plan and provide cost options for cart replacement strategies.
