Hot Springs Village Golf Director Tom Heffer presented his case to the Board of Directors on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, to purchase pre-emergent using a different program than what was previously used. This move would result in a $17,000 savings. In the past, the fall pre-emergent (Spectacle Flo) was purchased through an Early Order Program in October/November. After researching, Heffer discovered that if the Golf Department participates in the NOW Solutions Program in August, the POA would save $17,000 savings right off the top of the purchase.
Purchasing the pre-emergent through the Early Order Program would cost $117,225.63. The same chemical purchased using the NOW program is $100,621.74. Both figures include tax, with tax savings of over $1,000 realized by going with the NOW Solutions Program.
Fifty-four gallons of Spectacle Flo pre-emergent are needed to cover all courses, wall-to-wall. The product will be delivered to Ponce De Leon Golf Course and taxed at the Saline County rate. This item was already in the budget.
General Manager Kelly Hale explained, “We are being very proactive because of what is happening in Russia and Ukraine. A high percentage of fertilizer materials come from this part of the world…We will have it and won’t have to worry about any supply chain issues. With us preordering this now, we are saving $17,000.”
Although the Golf Director presented this proposal under new business, it was voted on at the August 16 meeting due to time constraints to receive the greater discount. Many thanks to Tom Heffer and the Golf Department for their diligent research and for showing good stewardship of POA funds.
Ponce de Leon Golf Superintendent Henry Falgout accompanied Heffer.
Cover image: (left) Tom Heffer, Director of Golf, (right) Henry Falgout, Superintendent of Ponce de Leon Golf Course
By Cheryl Dowden
