SEBASTIAN — Golfers at the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course can expect to pay a couple dollars more per round of golf starting Feb. 1 after the Sebastian City Council voted unanimously to raise rates by 5 percent. The additional revenue generated will be used to make improvements to the course.
“This increase is inevitable,” golfer Walter Landino told the council, addressing the rate increase.
Though he appeared in support of the increase, he asked the council to also consider other options for generating other revenue at the golf course.
Such options, he said, could include charging an annual fee for the driving range or offering golf clinics.
Landino also pointed out that city employees, volunteers and members of the city’s various boards – including the City Council – get a sharply discounted rate of golf. They pay $5. He suggested that amount be increased to $15 – the same as a cart fee.
He said, given the number of employees, volunteers and members, that could be a “pretty good revenue stream” for the city.
Typical golfers at the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course pay approximately $44 for a round of golf during peak season – $34 if they have a discount card. Under the 5 percent rate increase, they could expect to pay $46.20 or $35.70, respectively.
The additional revenue from the rate increase will be earmarked for maintenance projects at the golf course, including rebuilding every tee box and replacing the irrigation.
Later, the city could further increase rates to generate funds for a new clubhouse.
Damien Gilliams also addressed the rate increases, cautioning the council not to rush to a decision without having first explored Landino’s suggestions.
He said that the 5 percent increase, though not much, is enough for him to reconsider having his company host charity golf tournaments there twice a year.
Gilliams also questioned the need to raise rates for maintenance work when the city has funds in reserve that could be used.
The golf course is an enterprise fund and, as such, is required to be fiscally self-sufficient.
The Sebastian City Council supported the recommended 5 percent increase in rates and did not provide direction on the suggestions Landino made regarding the driving range and clinics.
Instead, they agreed that the issue of the employee/volunteer/member perk needs to be addressed and put into writing.
City Manager Al Minner said he plans to review the matter and return a recommendation to council at a council meeting in February.
