ASHLAND – Brookside Golf Course golf pro manager Terry Valentine is no longer employed by the City of Ashland.
Valentine is officially retiring, but a Feb. 28 personnel action form from the city states his position was eliminated for economic reasons.
Mayor Matt Miller confirmed Wednesday the choice to cut the position was a consensus reached mutually by Miller and the city council in an executive session at the end of the council’s Feb. 20 meeting. Valentine, who ran the golf course for 26 years, was informed of the decision Monday and chose to retire.
According to Miller, the decision will save the city $74,000, cutting the projected general fund subsidy of the golf course in half. Valentine’s was the highest-paid position at the course.
“I want to make very clear that Terry does not leave on bad terms,” Miller said. “He has dedicated a lot of his life to that course and to the golfers in this community. He is a kind and good-hearted man, and we will miss him.”
Brookside’s operations have been a topic of discussion in the city for several years as expenditures consistently exceed revenues, requiring the city to spend general fund dollars to help keep the course afloat.
The course has come under additional scrutiny since the beginning of this year, when Mayor Matt Miller and council members Dennis Miller and Al Farnam took office. Another new member, Dan Lawson, was appointed to the council Feb. 6.
At Miller’s request, the council held a Feb. 10 work session to discuss 2018 appropriations for the golf course. They then voted Feb. 20 to continue funding the course using about $141,000 general fund money this year, but they indicated at that time that significant changes would be coming.
City records show Valentine was hired by former parks director Tim Clingan in late 1991 to start as golf course pro-manager in January 1992. He replaced his father, George Valentine, who had been director of golf.
Valentine’s most recent performance review was for 2007. Completed by Clingan in early 2008, the review rates Valentine as “excellent” and states that his performance was outstanding. Valentine received a 4 or 5 out of 5 in every category measured.
In Valentine’s absence, Miller said, golf course superintendent Billy Christian will be in charge of the course. Steve Fast and Michael Briggs both will help part-time in the pro shop during the transition, and John Howell will also continue working in the pro shop, Miller said.
It has not yet been determined whether Christian or any other golf course staff will receive raises in the restructuring, Miller said.
The course is scheduled to open Thursday, weather permitting.
Golfers can expect rate increases ranging from about $0.50 to $1 per round of golf this season, starting opening day.
The junior golf program will continue with no disruption this year, Miller said.
In addition to meeting with the remaining golf course staff, Miller said he has met with individuals in the community who will be helping to sell sponsorships of holes and golf carts. Details on available sponsorships are forthcoming.
“I think we’re all excited to see what kind of golf season we can have this year,” Miller said.
