Port District to buy golf carts

Port District 7 commissioners voted Thursday night to purchase 21 golf carts that they have had on lease since 2008.

District President Orville Scharbach told commissioners that the carts would be paid for in three years.

The package includes the 21 carts and some 96 batteries, and includes a utility cart used for work around the golf course.

Scharbach said the current batteries have been in the carts since 2008, “and that’s about the only thing that can go wrong with the carts.”

Separately, the port district is leasing a new fairway mower.

Scharbach said the new purchase arrangement, including the batteries, will save the golf course about $600 a month in payments.

Payment on the carts and batteries will be about $1,800 a month for the operating months of the course. Months the course is closed, the payments cease and then pick up the next spring, Scharbach said.

The carts will end up costing the port district about $1,468 each, and the batteries about $170 each.

Golf carts rent at the course at $24 for 18 holes.