Alamogordo City Council debates future of Desert Lakes Golf Course operations

The City Commission of Alamogordo convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss the future operational direction of the Desert Lakes Golf Course, a topic that has sparked significant community interest and debate. The meeting featured public comments and presentations from various stakeholders, highlighting differing opinions on the management of the golf course.

Public speaker Stephen Bunt expressed gratitude for the discussion but raised concerns about the current state of the golf course, citing issues such as poor tee marker placements and a lack of maintenance. He emphasized the need for accountability and a track record of improvements before the city takes full control of the course's operations.

Grant Dows, the current contractor for the golf course, advocated for a management agreement with a private company, arguing that it could provide cost savings and operational efficiencies. He noted that private management could respond more quickly to staffing issues and would allow the city to retain a share of the revenue generated from food and beverage services, which are crucial for the golf course's financial health.

Other speakers, including Jason Baldwin and Ron Griggs, echoed concerns about the city's ability to manage the golf course effectively. Griggs suggested that an independent evaluation of the city's management plan would be prudent to avoid potential biases in decision-making.

City staff member Belinda Bass presented data on the golf course's financials and outlined the options available to the commission, including issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for management services or bringing operations in-house. She emphasized the importance of a master plan to guide future improvements and maintain accountability, regardless of the management model chosen.

The commission's decision on the operational direction of the Desert Lakes Golf Course is expected to have significant implications for the community, as it seeks to balance financial sustainability with the quality of recreational services provided to residents. The discussion will continue as the city evaluates the feedback from the public and the proposals presented.