By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The current contract with Rich Guffey for management of the city’s Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course (FHMGC) Pro-Shop ends December 31, 2016.

With Guffey’s support, city commissioners Thursday night unanimously approved a one-year contract renewal rather than the usual three-years. Guffey will be paid $24,000, an increase from $21,000 which he has received each year since 2007. Guffey has told the city he’s thinking about retiring.

The city is considering installing a new Point-Of-Sale system to keep track of inventory and expenses at the Pro-Shop, “which we have a hard time doing right now because of how it is set up,” according to Director of Parks Jeff Boyle.

“We’re using antiquated equipment out there. If we can get the new system in–which is very inexpensive–this will allow us to track not only inventory and expenses but also continue tracking all the greens fees and food sales revenue,” Boyle explained.

“We’d like to look at that mid-way through next year and get a feel for where we’re at. That would give us a good idea of what our future might be–whether that means maybe hiring city employees to run it, hire Rich Guffey for a couple more years–whatever the city commission deems necessary or desirable. It’ll give us a better feel for the inventory and expenses.”

Boyle, City Manager Toby Dougherty and the commissioners all were quick to point out they’re very pleased with Guffey’s work.

“He originally requested a three-year contract but was okay with the one-year contract and a new Point-Of-Sale system,” Boyle said.

“I think we need to see if there’s anything we can do different to possibly make it better,” said Mayor Shaun Musil.

“We have a private individual come in and contract with the city–kind of a common model. Some cities have a city employee running the golf course,” Commissioner Eber Phelps said. “I think we’re just trying to find out what kind of money goes through there and how is the best way to track that.”

The revenues from all greens fees, tournament fees, cart shed rentals, and golf course memberships come to the city. All food and beverage sales, golf cart rentals, and sales of apparel, golf balls and golf clubs go to Guffey, according to Boyle.

“We may be getting the greatest deal ever,” Phelps said, “but at the moment that’s an unknown.”