Discussion and possible action to approve the purchase of golf course maintenance equipment for Casa Blanca Golf Course through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program (Contract #112624-DAC) from United Ag & Turf, utilizing an outright purchase in the total amount of $77,150.00, pursuant to Section 271.101 and 271.102 of the Texas Local Government Code, Cooperative Purchasing Program; and to further authorize the transfer of funds from the general operating reserve Account #1001-1130-001-431007-010 to Account #7100-6080-001-470000 Golf Course Capital Outlay; and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #7100-6080-001-470000 (Capital Outlay)]

Issue: Casa Blanca Golf Course is currently operating with an aging fleet of maintenance equipment, much of which was originally purchased used and has now exceeded its useful service life. As a result, the maintenance department is spending an increasing amount of time repairing equipment rather than operating it. The frequency of mechanical failures has negatively impacted productivity, increased repair costs, and reduced the amount of time staff can dedicate to maintaining and improving course conditions. Over the past year, Webb County has made significant investments in Casa Blanca Golf Course, including the complete renovation of all putting greens. Protecting these improvements requires dependable equipment capable of maintaining the golf course at the standard expected by our customers and community. The current equipment fleet is no longer capable of consistently meeting those demands.

Solution: Staff recommends the outright purchase of three pre-owned John Deere maintenance machines from United Ag & Turf for a total of $77,150.00:

•    (1) 2021 John Deere 7700 Fairway Mower
•    (1) 2021 John Deere 9009 Rough Mower
•    (1) 2023 John Deere 2550 Greens Mower

This package replaces several critical pieces of outdated machinery at a significantly lower investment than purchasing comparable new equipment. The equipment will immediately improve reliability, reduce downtime and repair costs, increase employee productivity, and provide staff with the machinery necessary to properly maintain the newly renovated greens, fairways, and roughs. Additionally, Webb County has approved the continued planning and design of the Casa Blanca Golf Course Master Plan. As the County evaluates the timing and scope of future golf course construction, the purchase of these pre-owned machines provides a practical and fiscally responsible solution for maintaining the existing course during this transition.
Rather than making a substantially larger investment in new equipment at this stage, the $77,150.00 purchase provides Casa Blanca Golf Course with the essential equipment needed to maintain operations over the next 18–24 months while the Master Plan progresses. Future equipment needs can then be evaluated and incorporated into the overall construction and long-term operational plan for the renovated golf course.

Result: Approval will allow Casa Blanca Golf Course to immediately replace three critical pieces of aging maintenance equipment for $77,150.00, improving reliability, productivity, and overall course conditions while protecting Webb County's recent investment in the facility. The purchase is being made through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Program, Contract #112624-DAC, allowing Webb County to utilize competitively awarded cooperative pricing without conducting a separate competitive bidding process. This approach provides an immediate, cost-effective solution to the golf course's maintenance needs while allowing the County to preserve flexibility for future equipment purchases associated with the Casa Blanca Golf Course Master Plan.