Editor:
We would like to respond to the article, “Golf Club members consider Options” hosted by Brian Bagnall and Lowell Ritchey.
We have been playing members of the Osoyoos Golf and Country club since 1987 and have found it very easy to keep ourselves informed of the financial doings of the club in the following manner:
Annual audited financial statements are available to all members from the administrative office upon request, posted on the members’ bulletin board and presented at the annual club meeting.
Revenues and expenditures are broken down into green fees and annual dues, pro shop operations, and restaurant operations.
All the information about “where the funds go” is clearly evident.
In addition, monthly Board variance reports showing income/expenses, and comparing actual for the current month and year-to-date are posted on the members’ bulletin board.
It is quite apparent that some members do not understand that the club requires the $275K to cover operations for the balance of 2009 and early 2010, including payroll, utilities and bank debt payments, which will be due shortly.
Mr. Ritchey’s statement that “the board was not aware of a financial problem until the end of August” is clearly inaccurate.
We members were “put on notice” in a letter dated Nov. 24, 2008 from then President Ray Williams that if the economy deteriorated further in 2009, resulting in lower green fees and initiation fees, the course would have to look to members for the shortfall.
Additionally the ’09 budget slashed all capital expenditures, and reduced costs where possible in non fixed expense items.
We were then notified early this year that an assessment would be required, however the board wanted to wait until the “peak” summer green fee months had passed in order to obtain a true picture of the amount required to carry the club to year end Dec. 31st.
The budget process for the following year has always been undertaken once the board has the third quarter figures available in order to base projections on correct current information.
This is usually presented to the membership once finalized in the fall, and again at the April membership meeting.
With regards to our cash position, the financial statements for year end Dec. 31, 2004, show a current cash position of $258,598.
Where does the figure of $700,000 come from?
Also comparing 36-hole Osoyoos Golf and Country Club profitability to, among others, nine-hole Oroville and Rock Creek courses, which have no amenities, is questionable at best.
As to Mr. Ritchey’s doom and gloom outlook, baby boomers are healthier and more active than any previous generation and they are just beginning to retire.
Real estate value and sales have once again risen dramatically in Vancouver and other large centres.
According to the business news, Canada is slowly recovering from the recession, so it stands to reason that retirees will again move to or vacation in the valley, where great golf is available for nine months of the year.
Let’s make sure we get our facts straight, by obtaining all information directly from the club, as rumours only grow with embellishments and in the end adverse publicity hurts us all.
Let’s show our support by sending in this assessment fee in a timely manner.
Robert and Jutta Dolman,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-October 21, 2009

GOLF CLUB MEMBER HOPES FOR ‘PROPER’ SOLUTION TO DUES ISSUE

Editor:
Re: Osoyoos Golf and Country Club
In recent weeks the golf club got into news in Osoyoos.
It is one of the major employers in town and contributes to life in Osoyoos in many ways.
It operates as a society on lands owned by the Town, passed from Crown specified for recreational activities.
The society was started by local citizens several decades ago and operates without equities by members.
It operated successfully and through the affordable membership premiums attracted many new residents to town in past.
Several years ago the club started to expand and by it incurring total debt amounting over $4 million.
The expansion into two 18 holes was approved by two-thirds of members after rather non-professional and naïve economic forecast.
In the last two years, similarly with the world economy, started financial problems and budget deficit.
The management of the club improperly continued without any radical changes to eliminate the deficit in those years.
It culminated recently by asking all members to cover the recent deficit requesting another payment for 2009 membership of approximately $1,000 for family of two.
Board directors did that without discussions with members, which irritated all, namely the old ones with pension income and the younger ones with families when the economy is in downturn.
Members feel that the whole situation should be solved in a different way by the management changes with cut-off the fat, by refinancing the loan and by member’s contribution if needed.
At current situation, a high number of members are prepared to quit which would naturally increase the existing deficit.
But I hope the members will find a proper solution by using democratic ways through proper management and by logical thinking.
If changes are not made, golfing will end in Osoyoos similarly like our horse racing track as we have experienced.
It is hard to imagine as town license it to orchardists and change some parts into building lots.
The bank will be unable to rent improper collateral and will write off the debt as it does in Canada recently.
From golfing will remain in Osoyoos just few street names.
Ivo Tyl,
Member of the club and resident of Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-October 21, 2009

WRITER HAS LITTLE SYMPATHY FOR BORDER WAIT-TIME COMPLAINTS

Editor:
Re: Editorial on long wait times at the border crossing
I find it difficult to muster up much sympathy for the people who feel that they have to wait too long to cross the border. With a few exceptions, i.e. truckers, these people have a choice.
They can choose to support local farmers and local businesses and thus free up the border for people who must cross in order to make a living.
Wait times in doctors’ offices, however, give patients few choices.
They sit, or stand when all chairs are taken, for far longer periods of time if they wish to see a doctor at all.
Many are feeling poorly and should not be exposed to extra risks of being infected with some communicable diseases, i.e., H1N1.
I once met a doctor who was punctual to the minute.
When I complimented him on this, his response was, “I believe that your time is as valuable to you as mine is to me. It would be arrogance to think otherwise.”
Unfortunately, he is an extinct species.
V. Watson,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-October 21, 2009