Dayton wants money-losing golf courses reviewed

The city of Dayton will use a consultant to take a close look at its money-losing golf courses to find ways to increase revenue, reduce costs and make the grounds more competitive and enticing.

The city's golf courses, like its convention center, require major subsidies, according to city officials, who last year recommended the city examine the future operations of both to try to stop the bleeding.

The city voted to approve a $54,000 contract with National Golf Foundation Consulting Inc. to evaluate and provide recommendations about its three public golf facilities during Wednesday’s city commission meeting.

The city owns and operates Community Golf Club, which has two 18-hole courses; Kittyhawk Golf Center, which has three 18-hole courses (two regulation, one executive); and Madden Golf Course, which has one regulation course.

The city's golf budget was about $3.5 million in 2017 . The recommended budget for this year was again about $3.5 million, which included about $288,000 for debt service.

The city allocated about $212,500 from its general fund to the golf division in 2017. That was expected to increase to $293,500 this year, not including an additional $94,000 from the fund for capital equipment.

The city also included a $200,000 recreation and youth golf subsidy in its 2018 budget.

MORE: With Dayton Convention Center bleeding red, task force formed

Here is a breakdown of the city of Dayton's golf division's projected 2018 budget :

Estimated expenditures: $3.5 million

Revenue from fees and charges: $2.89 million

Percentage change in fees/charges from 2017: -11%

General fund allocation: $293,500

General fund subsidy: $200,000

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