Oak Hills Park Authority reviews draft 2026 budget, flags $405,000 capital plan and delays pro‑shop work pending First Tee talks

The Oak Hills Park Authority on its May meeting reviewed a draft fiscal 2026 operating and capital budget that projects lower budgeted net income than recent years and includes a $405,000 capital program, with members reserving final judgment until the June meeting.

Mark, the Authority’s controller, walked members through revenue assumptions built from four‑year averages of rounds and cart rounds and noted that the board is budgeting a $512,000 bottom line for fiscal 2026 after forecasting $627,000 in operating income — down from the $705,000 reported for 2025. Mark said the proposed capital package totals $405,000 and described line items for bathrooms and repairs at the old pro shop, cart‑path and drainage work, and parking/entrance repairs. “What we’re approving here really is $405,000,” Mark said.

Why it matters: the budget determines how much cash is available for course upkeep and equipment. Members emphasized that a large portion of the operating proceeds is earmarked for debt service and city lease payments, limiting available cash for capital projects.

Board members pressed for clarity on several large capital items. Nick, the golf professional, and Jim Shell, superintendent, urged funding for cart‑path and drainage work on the front six — particularly on hole 2 where drainage and sightlines limit playability — and provided contractor estimates that suggested cart‑path work could range from roughly $130,000 for a limited repair scope to as much as $220,000–$300,000 for broader work including drainage. Superintendent Jim Shell also flagged equipment uncertainty: the turf roller is out of service and replacement parts must be imported from Canada, a delay the superintendent said could last weeks.

The most contested line was a $75,000 placeholder for basic repairs to restrooms and the old pro‑shop building. Members said they did not want to spend substantial sums if First Tee — a youth golf program the Authority has been discussing — plans to demolish or redevelop the building. Gary Leeds and other members recommended keeping the $75,000 in the budget as a placeholder and delaying actual work until the Authority has a clearer read from First Tee and the mayor’s office later this summer.

The board also discussed the Authority’s town loan schedule and cash flow. Members noted the existing debt to the town (discussed in the meeting as roughly $1.04 million) and the annual payments the Authority makes; several members observed that, if revenue continues to grow, the town debt could be paid off earlier than the current 2045 schedule. Mark agreed to publish starting and ending cash balances and a year‑end cash estimate for the next meeting to help members decide which capital items to fund.

Next steps: the chair asked a small working group of members and staff to meet in the next two weeks to firm up capital priorities and return with options before the June vote. The Authority will hold a formal vote on the final operating and capital budgets at its June meeting.