by James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — The city of Wellington has had its share of financial issues recently. But it still has to run the city, and two big expenses were the issues Monday at a work session meeting.

The city is still considering whether to buy or lease a bulldozer, while it is currently paying rent on a machine after the one they had stopped working.

The golf course was the other issue with a problem of fungus growing on the greens that is causing some severe problems. No solutions were suggested on the golf course issue, but it will be taken up at future meetings.

The bulldozer was discussed at the last meeting, but the council wanted to get more information on leasing and financing before making a decision.

Public Works director Jeremy Jones presented figures showing a lease option would be cheaper initially, but if the lease went five or 10 years, they would end up spending more money over the longer period of time.

He wants to buy a Caterpillar, which has technology specifically designed for landfill usage, and is configured in a way he thinks will work better in that environment. They have money set aside in reserve for a $150,000 down payment, and the total cost is about $350,000. The remaining $200,000 would be financed with a monthly payment of around $4,000 for five years.

Jones said they would have the option of purchasing at the end of the lease, but the lease still costs more in the long run.

City council members did not come to agreement, but said they hope to come to a decision at the next meeting.

They had an older machine that finally broke down and is not worth fixing, Jones said. It is in such bad shape none of the dealers were interested in taking it as a trade in. They can sell the old one at auction, and someone who just wants to use it on a farm could rebuild it and use it, Jones said.

Dealers from Wichita were at the meeting.

Steve Wagoner with the Wichita Case dealer said he had not bid on the contract but said he had some used bulldozers that could be considered.

The Caterpillar dealer said there are several cities in Kansas that use their products in landfills, and they keep a supply on hand, so repairs could be done quickly.

On the golf course issue, the problem is a fungus that grows in a circle on the course. It cannot be treated. The dirt has to be taken away and re-sod, which is becoming a major problem for the course.

The council discussed the city’s relationship with the course and what the course means to the city.

City officials believe the course is a quality of life issue, and that it brings people into the city. Those people spend money at area businesses, and pay sales tax, which also provides revenue for the city as well as local merchants.

Derek Harrison, who manages the course, said the course has a very good reputation, and people often come from Wichita and other cities to play here. He said the greens virus is a problem that could affect that reputation.

Council member Bill Butts suggested the city consider hiring a turf manager, someone with more scientific knowledge about golf courses.

Other council members said they did not want to hire another employee because of budget consideration. However, if an employee left or retired, there might be room for a conversation.

Wellington City Manager Roy Eckert and the staff intend to start working on a plan, and will present it to the council at a future meeting.

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