Council Approves Re-Hiring of Short Beach Golf Pro

By an 8-2 vote, the Town Council last week approved the re-hiring of the Short Beach golf pro, although not without some debate.

While the raising of raising golf outing fees was not controversial (see related story), several members of the Council questioned the wisdom of retaining a paid golf pro at the local par-3 “pitch and putt” golf course when the facility is currently showing a budget deficit. 

Short Beach Commission member Karen Daden, however, had no doubts about the wisdom of re-hiring the golf pro for another year. During the Public Forum session prior to the regular meeting, Daden urged immediate Council approval on behalf of the Short Beach Commission, which unanimously recommended his hiring at its Feb. 7 meeting. 

“The golf pro contract has been kicking around for eight months,” she said. “Every course needs someone who knows what they’re doing and the gentleman we have now has been very good. 

“His ideas have been good … and we need you to act on this right away in fairness to him and also to the commission so it can move forward” with its plans for the upcoming season, she said, adding, “Because of him the golf course is still open.” 

In debating the golf pro contract, Council member Stephanie Philips noted, “Short Beach is projecting a deficit … and the $35,000 salary is a major piece of that deficit. 

“My concern in light of all our cutting costs in town, I’m having trouble with why we are renewing a contract when we have a planned $42,000 deficit.” 

It was noted by Council member Christian Barnaby, who also sits on the Short Beach Commission, that the reason for the deficit “is not his salary, but rather that [golf] rounds are down across the state. We as a commission have recognized that he’s done significant things to bring this course to where it is.” 

While golf rounds are way down across the state – 30% or more – “we were down 19%,” Barnaby said.

“I understand your point,” Philips said. “But if I own a business, and I’m losing money, I will reduce costs and reduce staff. We’re the only [par 3 course] with a golf pro in the area and I would like to know if we have looked at other alternatives?” 

Philips also asked what town department would be covering that shortfall, and directed her question to Mayor John Harkins. “Will it be covered by the general fund?”

Mayor Harkins said, “My first hope is that [course] revenues will increase to cover that deficit.” Otherwise, the shortfall would be made up out of the town’s fund balance, he said, and the expense “will be clear and visible.”

Council member David Fuller asked about the golf pro’s contract, who he answers to and if there are performance measures in the contract. A town attorney noted that the contract doesn’t spell out performance, just that it has to be to the satisfaction of the parks superintendent and ultimately, the director of public works, who has overriding supervisory control over the golf pro position.

Council member Paul Hoydick noted that movie theatre attendance, bowling alleys – “they’re all down.” He suggested giving the golf pro another year to increase golf rounds and a chance to further enhance the course.

 The golf pro contract passed by an 8-2 margin.