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In a move designed to reduce operating costs at Devil's Thumb Golf Club, Delta City Council has voted to purchase 50 gas-operated golf carts to replace the 58 leased electric golf carts currently in use at the golf course.

Annual savings of $8,300 are estimated the first 10 years.

After the city's Internal Services Fund is repaid for the expenditure, annual savings are expected to top $26,000.

A four-year warranty on the electric carts expired in September 2012 and the golf course is likely looking at battery replacement costs of over $16,000 over the next six months. Since the golf carts were scheduled to be replaced in September, golf course manager Rob Sanders said it makes sense to purchase the gas-powered carts now.

He acknowledged most golfers prefer electric carts, but gas-powered carts cost less to maintain and generally last longer.

"We are looking at keeping these carts for 8 to 10 years, and when you do that you're going to have to eventually replace the electric batteries which is a huge cost," Sanders said.

And with recent personnel cuts at the golf course, Sanders said staff no longer has the extra time needed to maintain the electric carts.

Councilmembers Ray Penick and Mary Cooper both questioned whether it was realistic to expect the golf carts to be serviceable for 10 or more years.

Sanders said Adobe Creek is still using 1999 and 2001 models on its 27-hole facility.

"I'm skeptical," Cooper said, adding she's been on council long enough to remember when the decision was made to switch from gas to electric.

At this point, city manager Justin Clifton said he's willing to make a small sacrifice in service if there's an opportunity to reduce operating costs at the golf course on a permanent basis. "We're trying to come up with a system we can maintain," he said.

The low bid of $191,500 is more than estimated for golf cart replacement but Clifton said the difference is justified based on overall savings. The Golf Course Fund will be able to repay the city's Internal Service Fund for the initial purchase and for replacement cost of all 50 cars for less than the current cost of leasing golf carts.

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