Golf-course deficit no surprise, city officials say

The city-owned Colonial Park Golf Course spent triple the amount of money it has taken in so far this year, but some city officials say the deficit shouldn’t come as a surprise.

The figures were made public Wednesday during a review by Clovis’ Finance Committee.

According to the city’s revenue and expenditure summary, the golf course’s year-to-date revenues for fiscal year 2013-2014 were $82,455.

The golf course’s year-to-date expenditures were $251,238.

“Yes, (the golf course) costs more to have it than what it brings in,” said City Manager Joe Thomas after the meeting. “That has always been the case. ... As long as the city has operated the golf course there has always been a deficit.”

Thomas said the difference will be made up through general funds. He noted there are many services that the city subsidizes, such as the Clovis-Carver Library.

Commissioner Fidel Madrid also noted after the meeting that the Clovis Civic Center is subsidized by the city.

“There’s a lot of stuff we subsidize,” Madrid said. “It’s just a service to people to have (the golf course) there.”

Mayor Pro Tem Juan Garza was unable to attend the meeting due to personal matters.

He acknowledged that it is expensive to run the golf course and that “you get what you pay for.

“I’m not going to make any comments,” Garza said, as he did not attend the meeting. “Golf courses typically don’t make money, that’s all I’m going to say.”

The committee also approved the city’s final revenue and expenditure summary for fiscal year 2013-2014 unanimously.

Commissioners Gary Elliott and Madrid were present; as well as Thomas, Mayor David Lansford, Director of Budget for the city of Clovis Donald Clifton, and City Clerk LeighAnn Melancon.