EC golf courses net $400K

Greens and cart fees at Erie County's two suburban golf courses are helping the cash-starved county to see a little black in its sea of red ink.

According to a fiscal review of operations at Grover Cleveland and Elma Meadows golf courses for a period running from May 2 to July 31, the county has taken $759,963 in various fees and revenues while spending $356,264, for a profit of $403,699.

The courses were in danger of being closed for the entire season as a result of the county's fiscal crisis, but the Erie County Legislature, in April, voted to re-open them with minor increases in cart fees to help cover the operating costs.

Here's the rub, had the legislature followed the recommendation of Angelo Sedita, county commissioner of parks, and raised the greens fees by $4 and the season's pass rates by $50, the county would have had another $250,000 in revenues.

That recommendation was part of a series of suggestions put forward last week in a report by the Erie County Stabilization Project, who also proposed that the two courses be privatizied, as well.

For now, Sedita said he is happy with early returns for the golf courses. Sedita attributes the strong numbers to good weather, beginning almost as soon as the courses opened on May 2.

"We've had an exceptional year, weather-wise," Sedita said.

If the weather remains strong, Sedita predicted the two courses will exceed the $1.1 million they produced last year in revenues and fees.

"The number of rounds are up as are the number of players," he said. "If the weathers holds up, we'll be fine."

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/s...2/daily31.html

Like the City announcing a "surplus" of $12 million two weeks ago, the public is wise to be sceptical about any government financial announcement.

With just a little nosing around, you'll find something like the $400k profit was without counting labor costs.

Cause they're paid for by the County.

So they're "free."

Excellent thought Biker..

Something seems fishy to have such a swing with only minor increases. Anyone know anyone down there that can confirm these numbers included ALL labor/consultant or what ever they want to call it cost?

not sure but I am thinking its a fluke due to the extra good weather we are having this yr.........
either that or they are claiming profits that someone might have been pocketing before? ..........Oh cynical me

Also, I wonder how much of the cost of running the golf courses comes from year-round employees. The golf courses won't be making any money in say February, but I bet we'll be paying somebody to take care them!

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With just a little nosing around, you'll find something like the $400k profit was without counting labor costs.

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Also, if it were private courses, the courses would be on the tax rolls, rather than tax-exempt public property.

Absolutely laughable.....

There is no way golf courses should be run by the Govt