By Associated Press - Sunday, May 18, 2014

LEESVILLE, La. (AP) - City officials say Leesville’s Municipal Golf Course is losing business because it doesn’t have enough golf carts.

In a discussion this past week, the City Council debated whether to buy used carts or lease new ones to boost the fleet.

“Recently I saw a commercial for a golf tournament that used to be played at our course that’s now played in Alexandria,” City Council member Danny Dowd said. “It concerns me.”

City Administrator Courtney Christian told The American Press (https://bit.ly/1eOXZNb) the key issue is how to pay for the carts.

Finance Director Megan O’Banion gave the council quotes for the purchase and lease of carts. Leasing six carts would cost Leesvile $68.73 per month per cart, or $19,795 for a four-year lease for the vehicles.

O’Banion said the city plans to buy two used carts before the end of the year for $1,800 each and four more during the next budget year for a total of $10,800.

There are now eight working carts, according to Dennis Joiner, parks and recreation director. All are more than 15 years old.

“I have people tell me they won’t go play (golf at Leesville Municipal Golf Course) for fear of getting stranded,” Dowd said.

City Council member Mike Elliott said he favored leasing the carts.

“Eight carts is a little ridiculous for a course our size,” Elliott said. “I realize that you’re going to pay more if you lease, but you don’t know how many repairs that are going to occur. Why not get something new that you can give back when it breaks down? And if we lease only five a month, we make our money back.”

O’Banion said it would be significantly cheaper to buy used carts and build the city’s fleet. She recommended the council buy the used vehicles.

No vote was taken on the matter but it is expected to come up before the council again.

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Information from: American Press, https://www.americanpress.com

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