NATCHEZ, Miss. — The Board of Aldermen debated the renewal Tuesday of Greg Brooking’s contract for running the Duncan Park Golf Course after the mayor broke a tie by voting against closing the public out of discussions.
With the board split 3-3 to close the meeting to discuss the issue, Mayor Dan Gibson voted to keep the session open. “I think transparency demands an open discussion…. I would encourage this board to openly discuss this contract. Whatever grievances you have, make them public,” Gibson said.
Alderman Billie Joe Frazier complained that Brooking’s renewed contract to manage the city-owned golf course is too long — eight years — with inadequate accountability about $500,000 being paid during this period. “The city of Natchez is just giving away money to this gentleman….We’re not getting our fair share,” Frazier said.
However, Gibson said Brooking — who’s been running the city golf course for 25 years — is “a very hard-working Natchezian” doing a good job. The mayor said he wouldn’t support renewing the contract if “I felt any wrongdoing was taking place. I think a lot of rightdoing is taking place.”
After much discussion Tuesday, the board voted 4-1 to extend Brooking’s contract for eight years. Frazier voted against it. Alderman Felicia Irving — who expressed concerns similar to Frazier’s — abstained from the vote.
The renewed contract comes with bonus pay for Brooking if golf-course revenues increase by a certain amount compared to previous years. Aldermen did insert clauses for reviewing the Duncan Park golf shop’s retail sales and promoting Duncan Park as a golf-tourist attraction.
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Natchez aldermen approved the purchase of a new vehicle for Mayor Dan Gibson. He said the 2020 Ford Explorer will cost about $47,000 and be paid for with “windfall” money. With the city spending about $92,000 less than expected on workers compensation insurance premiums, it can afford to buy the SUV, said Gibson, who took office in July. He said the Explorer will enable him to drive in a vehicle with the city seal as he represents Natchez and puts “our best feet forward when we make a first impression.”
Brooking is doing an outstanding job at Duncan Park. The golf course has never looked as good as it does now. Brooking pays for everything in the pro shop out of his pocket as it is at most golf pro shops. Thanks for keeping the session open Mayor Gibson. The public has a right to know what’s going on. Things get shady when the public doesn’t know what’s happening in closed sessions. Alderman Frazier what’s your fair share going to be spent on ?