Regarding the issue of the Everett public golf courses: The following is based on actual annual budget costs itemized in the City of Everett budgets during the last 10 years.
In 1996, the budget listed an actual cash balance of $1,252,861 left over from 1995. Because golf was profitable, the mayor and council decided to spend more than $7 million to remodel both courses but ran into trouble and could only remodel Legion, leaving a debt service now at $690,000 per year to be paid by golf income.
Golf course maintenance salaries are the only budget items that have been consistent: 1998 – $847,000; 2004 – $1,092,000.
Through the years maintenance and operations and pro shop management costs have gone totally unchecked. In 2003, management fees were listed as $695,000. This same year, the mayor and council approved a contract with Billy Casper Golf to manage only the two pro shops and caf’s at about $1.5 million per year for 2004 and beyond. It appears the council approved an increase of $857,299 over the $695,000 to hire Billy Casper. Now, according to the Dec. 19, 2004 Herald, the council wants to pay $30,000 to a consultant to tell them how to balance the budget, or do something drastic like selling Walter Hall Golf Course. What’s wrong with this picture?
Bob Whisman managed the two pro shops and caf’s at a profit to the city for decades. Why not pay him the $30,000 for consultation to find a realistic golf and caf manager? What’s going on with M&O costs at more than $500,000 per year and who is in charge of the purse strings?
Dennis Finlayson
Everett
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