Cedar Hills Holds Town Hall Meeting to Discuss Golf Course Finances

November 16, 2012

CEDAR HILLS – On November 15, 2012, Cedar Hills held a townhall meeting to discuss thefinancial health of the golf course and to propose a course of action for the future. Earlier in theyear, the Golf Course Finance Advisory Committee was created by the Mayor to review thehistory and financial documents of the golf course. This committee consisted of six residentsfrom throughout the City with different backgrounds and views of the golf course. Over severalmonths this committee researched every aspect of the course and came up with a comprehensivesummary to present to residents.”Not agreeing on the numbers has caused a lot of contention in our City in the past,” statedcommittee member, Rob Crawley. “Being on the same page from now on will be helpful,especially during election times. I am glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of thiscommittee.”The financial summary showed that property taxes have been collected to cover the bond for thegolf course, which was voted on by residents in 2005. In addition, the golf course has sufferednet cash losses each year, which have also been subsidized through tax dollars. The current totalsubsidy for the golf course is approximately $1.8 million, with $700,000 of that having beenused for a reconfiguration of the course to create building lots to bring in additional revenue oncethe real estate market improves. As the debt is paid down, the subsidy should be reduced.Looking towards the future, the committee created a business plan to increase revenue throughthe golf course. This plan includes holding more golf tournaments and other events at the newfacility, selling more season passes, and having a practiced sales process that creates a customerbase.”With our new facility there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether it be golf, recreationclasses, a beautiful place for a wedding, or a great place to enjoy a bite to eat,” stated committeemember, Rob Olsen. “We have full confidence in the ability of City staff to implement oursuggested marketing strategies. However, we will not have success without the support of thecommunity.”Mayor Gary Gygi expressed appreciation to those who have served on this committee. “Atremendous amount of time has been devoted by each person on this team and we are verygrateful for their willingness to give of their time and talents to present this report to residents.”The power point presentation from the meeting may be downloaded here.