The meeting began with a detailed presentation on the Golf Course Enterprise Fund. Eric Evans, the business administrator, along with Paul Viola, the PGA professional and general manager of the golf course, outlined the facility’s financial health and ongoing improvements. Established in 1956, the golf course operates as a self-sustaining entity, separate from the general fund, relying on revenue from green fees, cart rentals, and a lease agreement with the Clubhouse Grill. Recent improvements have led to a substantial increase in revenue, with 2022 figures peaking at $2.1 million and projections for 2024 suggesting a potential record of $2.3 million.

Significant upgrades have been made since 2018, including renovations to drainage and irrigation systems, the addition of a new events pavilion, and updates to golf carts and maintenance equipment. Future plans include the replacement of an aging barn, necessary for equipment storage. Engineers are currently working on design plans, with construction anticipated to start in the summer.

Council members commended the improvements and discussed the necessity of the barn, with Paul Viola confirming its role in storing larger machinery. Discussions extended to potential new features, such as a man-made pond near the 15th hole, which some proposed as a way to enhance the course’s aesthetics. The logistics for the pond, including the installation of a liner and the use of volunteer labor for excavation, were discussed. This proposed pond remains a “wish list” item, pending further community support and logistical planning.

In addition to the golf course discussions, the meeting addressed the city’s financial outlook and budget planning. Council members were briefed on the administration’s budget, emphasizing the lean staffing structure and efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility. The IT department’s transition to Windows 365 and a $25,000 subscription service for all city departments were highlighted. These changes reflect a shift towards subscription-based services.

The meeting also covered the city’s general expenses, with pensions comprising a portion of the budget. The administration highlighted the effective management of medical expenses through self-insurance and the challenges posed by potential future increases in medical costs. The pension funds showed a positive 20% growth over the past two years, reflecting prudent financial management.

Further discussions included the city’s revenue sources, with real estate taxes identified as the largest contributor at $35.5 million. Earned income tax (EIT) showed a significant increase, with the representative emphasizing the necessity of conservative projections to avoid budget shortfalls. The complex interplay between real estate and earned income taxes was discussed, highlighting Bethlehem’s financial stability and historical efforts to foster economic growth.

The conversation touched on affordable housing projects and the financial viability of current developments. Concerns were raised about the costs of a project on the South Side, with suggestions that the pricing did not align with market realities. The council acknowledged the need for further exploration of financial implications and strategies to incentivize development.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the city’s debt services, emphasizing the importance of restructuring debt to create a more manageable financial approach. No additional debt requests were made for the current year, with reserves allocated for future capital needs. The strategic use of ARPA funds for capital expenditures was highlighted as a means to maintain financial independence and flexibility.