HARLINGEN — Seeking a potential way out of its money-losing food and beverage operation, the Tony Butler Golf Course board yesterday evening discussed but declined to vote on an outsourcing proposal.
“All we’re doing is investigating an option,” board member Larry Kruse said.
The proposal, if passed, would have submitted a Request for Proposal to the City Commission to seek bids to outsource the food and beverage operation at the city-owned course.
That portion of the golf course operation has lost $70,000 over the past four years.
Eddie Medlin, the director of golf who operates the facility, said outsourcing food and beverage has been discussed at least as far back as 2002.
Medlin said the Request for Proposal, or RFP, would not bind the board on definitely outsourcing food and beverage.
Rather, he said, after review by the city attorney and approval by the commission, it would allow the golf course to set guidelines such a service must meet and then solicit bids.
Board members discussed the length of any potential contract with a food and beverage service provider, insurance requirements, and whether the course could dictate a contract that would give them a cut of any excess profits on food and beverage operations.
In the end, a move to seek a motion to approve the RFP and send it to the city attorney drew no response, effectively tabling the measure until the next golf course board meeting.
