The Draconian changes in the fee structure proposed for the Eagle Valley Golf Course by the Board of Directors are very likely to have the opposite effect on the desired improvement in revenue. There is no question that some adjustments are necessary, but complete elimination of annual passes seems extreme.
The belief that even a fraction of the present pass holders will pay full fees or purchase punch cards is wishful thinking. Most could not afford it even if they wanted to. The suggestion that starting times now used by pass holders could be sold for full fees is insane. The "experiment" in restricting prime starting times for pass holders when no full fee players showed up should be a wake-up call.
There are a number of reasonable alternatives that could be considered. Certainly a raise in the price for annual passes is warranted. Passes could be restricted on weekends and holidays when there are likely to be full fee players. A surcharge could be assessed for pass holders desiring to play on weekends and holidays. Lower costs passes for afternoon play is an alternative.
The Board of Supervisors should bear the blame for the losses in revenue from tournament play and casino sponsored outings because they allowed the course to deteriorate to the point that they would not use it. Turning a floundering operation over to a group of amateurs in the hope that they could somehow find the money to fix what the city should have fixed was politics at its worst.
It would, of course, be nice if the golf courses could make a profit or even break even. However the city is still in the business of providing recreational opportunities for its citizens and the golf curse is no different than parks, ball fields, tennis courts and other facilities that the city is expected to maintain. There are thousands of senior citizens and young people utilizing the golf course. They deserve consideration.
LONNIE G. PHELPS
Carson City
