Update: Fourth Authority Member Discloses Use of Free Golf Benefit

A fourth member of the Baltimore County Revenue Authority board disclosed his use of a offered to them.

Joseph Blair, in an email Tuesday afternoon, wrote that he used the benefit just a few times this year.

"I have played three or four rounds this season," Blair wrote. "I usually have at least one guest and on two occasions I have had three guests. I also belong to a private club."

Blair's five-year appointment on the board ended June 30 but in the position until County Executive Kevin Kamenetz either formally reappoints him or names a replacement.

Of the five current board members, only Merreen Kelly, a former county administrative officer, has not responded to requests to disclose each member's use of a golf benefit offered by the authority.

In June, the board voted to limit the number of free rounds of golf each member could play to just eight per week. Each member can use the rounds for themselves as well as for guests who play with them.

Prior to that, members were allowed unlimited play on the authority's five courses as well as free use of the driving range, golf carts and other benefits.

William "Lynnie" Cook, executive director of the authority, asked for the change last month. On the agenda, the change was described as a revenue enhancement. The golf operations of the authority is on track to lose about $300,000—attributed to poor economy and weather conditions.

Cook declined a Patch request for information related to each member's use of the privilege in 2010 and the current season. Instead, he provided information on the overall use of so-called courtesy rounds.

Patch then asked each member to voluntarily disclose their free golf play—most are estimates for this year.

Board Chairman Don Hutchinson wrote that he typically plays county courses as many as 20 times annually. Most times with his wife though he said he usually plays once a year with three other people.

Bonnie Phipps said she had not played any free rounds since her appointment last year.

Another board member, Les Pittler, said he played "17 or 19 complimentary rounds between May 1, 2011 and the middle of June 2011."

The numbers were provided to Pittler by the authority at his request, he said.

So far, the total number of rounds disclosed total less than 100 for the four members who answered questions about personal use the benefit.

Free Golf by course for 2010 and 2011. Source: Baltimore County Revenue Authority

Courtesy rounds of golf equal nearly 4.5 percent of the 189,589 rounds of golf played at county courses in 2010, according to Cook.

Free golf play equals nearly 3 percent of the 104,228 rounds played so far this year, according to Cook.

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