Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the City to enter into an agreement with Michael and Jocelyn Keiser and the Madison Parks Foundation for a donation of improvements to the Glenway Golf Course. The estimated value of the donated project planning, design, and construction is approximately $750,000. There is added value in the donation in having an accomplished golf course developer lead the work of design and construction. The City would be recognized as the owner of the improvements.
The Glenway Golf Course would not be operational for much of 2021 while this work is completed, which would negatively impact course revenues. Estimated revenue losses for 2021 are $400,000 based on revenues received in 2016 through 2020. Parks staff indicate that these revenue losses would be offset by approximately $200,000 in variable costs associated with course operation, resulting in a net loss of $200,000 in 2021 for the Golf Enterprise. This is an increase over the course’s historical net losses, which ranged from $27,000 to $120,000 from 2016 to 2019. In 2020, the Glenway Golf Course realized net revenues of nearly $50,000 associated with the increase in golf due to the pandemic. Parks staff speculate that some golfers would instead choose to golf at other City of Madison courses, but the level of golf round transference is currently unknown.
The plan calls for changes that align with the City’s sustainability goals. Specifically, the plan calls for a significant reduction in inputs (fertilizers and chemicals), as well as reduction of mowed turf areas that will be converted to natural areas. In addition, a portion of the donation will be to provide investments into updated, energy efficient mowing units that will reduce time, emissions, and costs associated with mowing operations. In total, staff estimates that the project should have a net positive impact of between $20,000 and $60,000 per year. If this increase in revenue is realized, it would take between 3 ...
Click here for full text