Proformance Golf Inc., which recently lost its contract to manage the city-owned Eagle's Landing Golf Course in Belton, wants a second chance to operate the course.
But the city doesn't want the company back.
Belton said it terminated Proformance's contract June 23 after seven years because the Kansas City, Kan., company repeatedly failed to complete some required financial reports. The city has since taken over the management of the course and hired Jay Kennedy, who had managed the course since 1998 for Proformance, to continue as manager. Also, Tyler Koch, course superintendent since 1999, has continued in that capacity with the city.
Proformance disputes the city's grounds for termination.
Marty Streiff, president of Proformance Golf, told city officials Tuesday that the company has e-mails to verify that check registers and general ledger statements, as well as the monthly income and expense report and balance sheet, were sent to the city.
"Each year, the city's outside accounting firm audited our accounting records and reports relative to operation of Eagles' Landing Golf Course," Streiff said. "The accounting firm's annual management report states that we were in compliance with our contractual reporting and there were no significant problems."
Streiff says the contract's termination is hurting the city.
He said the city is losing an average of $600 daily on alcoholic beverages because the golf course's liquor license lapsed when the city terminated Proformance. He also said the city sold liquor without a license, and without liability insurance, for two weeks after the termination.
Also, he said, Belton has invested about $6 million on the golf course, including a $4 million obligation on a bond that still has 14 years of payment left, and $1.4 million to fund operating losses.
If the city reinstates Proformance, Streiff said, the company will assume total responsibility for operating the course, including $2.2 million of the bond debt.
"We suggest that the board reinstate Proformance for 60 days in order to provide a smooth transition and allow time for the board to carefully consider its options before going down a path to self-operate," Streiff said. "We can demonstrate that we can operate more effectively than the city,"
Mayor Bob Gregory said the board made an outstanding decision by terminating the contract and trying to take control of the golf course.
"I do believe that with the staff we have out there, the golf course can make money," Gregory said.
City Administrator Ron Trivitt also defended the city's decision, disputing Streiff's contention that the city lacked liquor liability insurance.
Source: The Kansas City Star
