Council to Consider Private Golf Firm

In an effort to better compete in the local golfing market, the Ventura City Council on Monday will consider turning over maintenance of the Buenaventura Golf Course to a private firm.

Noting that the golf industry is becoming increasingly competitive as new courses are built and marketing efforts increase, city staffers say the job is better left to Evergreen Golf Alliance Limited.

The move would increase course maintenance and earn the city’s golf course fund an added $125,000 annually.

The recommendation, however, includes the approval of a new city golf services manager at a $75,000 annual salary. The golf manager would be integral to the city’s ongoing effort to develop a citywide golf master plan.

If approved, the move would eliminate eight city employee positions. Officials say no one will lose a job and the workers will be transferred.