Golf Course Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2016 09 19

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of the general rehabilitation project would likely be much less than the current $1.6 million estimate, Mills said. The currently estimated $6 million worth of projects to rehabilitate the golf courses would be part of a $26.5 million bond city staff are proposing for a general vote in the next two years. In 2000, the city issued bonds to pay for the Recreation Center and Roosevelt Park projects. City finance staff have allocated $2.8 million per year in the budget to pay off that bond, but it will be paid off in 2019. That frees up $2.8 million per year that staff is proposing be used to issue a new 20 -year bond to improve the golf courses and other city facilities. The proposed bond would be paid off over 20 years from tax dollars, although it wouldn't require a tax increase. 'On the decline' But as golf declines from its peak recent popularity in the 9os nationally, Longmont is seeing the same trend at its courses. The number of golf rounds played at all three courses peaked in 1998, Ute Creek's first full year of operation. "The decline in rounds can be attributed to flat golf participation and the oversupply of courses," Mills told the council on Tuesday. "I think there have been nine courses opened in our service area since Ute Creek opened in 1997." Brian Johnston, a Longmont resident who grew up next to a golf course, said he is skeptical of the amount city staff says is needed to rehabilitate the golf courses. "I don't think that abandoning and liquidating the golf courses is the solution. However, I don't think a six -plus -million -dollar bond for a sport rapidly losing popularity is not the best policy either," Johnston said. "I think probably the best solution is some type of middle ground where we maintain the golf courses and we're not putting $6 million into it." Johnston said he loves golf, but the city has to look at the facts related to the sport's popularity. "I haven't played much in recent years due to a back injury but I grew up on a golf course. I'm sitting here in my living room and I've got my King Cobra golf bag and clubs on display in my living room," Johnston said. Johnston said he understands the need to replace Sunset's 50 -year-old irrigation system. But he thinks that perhaps Twin Peaks's system could be stretched from its current 39 -year age to 50 years. The city should take a more wait-and-see approach in regards to whether golf regains its popularity, Johnston said. Mayor Dennis Coombs said that in the future, the city may need to reconsider its use of the golf courses, but even turning them into parks may be more problematic than it seems. 9