By Joe Ragusa
BLOOMINGTON – An outside company could be brought in to run the Bloomington’s three golf courses.
The city council’s work session at 6 p.m. Monday is partially dedicated to the discussion of outsourcing operations at The Den at Fox Creek, Prairie Vista and Highland Park.
“Having someone else run your golf courses sometimes can be more efficient than a public body, like the city,” Parks and Recreation Director Jay Tetzloff said. “Our golf staff work incredibly hard. It’s a very lean staff, we’re very efficient and effective and we think we’ve put out a great product. But if someone can come in and do a better job more efficiently, we’ve got to take a look at that.”
Tetzloff said there are disadvantages to outsourcing, such as less control and less potential revenue.
Highland Park has operated in the red for each of the last three fiscal years and is expected to again this year and next year. Overall, though, all three golf courses are expected to produce a combined profit of about $192,000 this year.
The city council won’t be voting on anything during the work session. Mayor Tari Renner is scheduled to give his State of the City address at Monday’s regular city council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m.
Joe Ragusa can be reached at joe.ragusa@cumulus.com.
