THE Leeton golf course was close to $130,000 in the red in the last financial year, but it was a loss Leeton Shire Council had budgeted for.
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Council took over the course in May last year and forecast a loss between $130,000 and $150,000 for the first year of operations.
"We're pretty happy to perform to the budget ... it was what we expected," director of corporate services Duncan McWhirter said.
"This will now lead into the next phase and the second year (of council's caretaker role).
"We'll be looking at more and more options as the year progresses as to what happens at the end of the two-year period.
"What will help the budget in this new financial year is council taking over the liquor licence at the course.
"That is still before the Office of Liquor and Gaming awaiting approval, but we're hopeful it will come through soon.
"Being the first year (of council taking control) there was a bit of catching up to do, but I'm confident we can make more savings next year."
Council was approached by the Leeton Soldiers Club at the end of 2012 to take over the course and after various community consultations it was decided it would do so in a caretaker capacity.
There has been no concrete suggestions made as to what will happen at the end of the two years.
Mr McWhirter said one of the biggest costs in the past year aside from wages and professional fees was maintenance and watering.
"The pumping system is costing us the most amount of money at the moment," he said.
"There have been some savings made thanks to the work of our volunteers."
At a recent council meeting, councillor Peter Davidson suggested putting some targets in place to further reduce the amount being "lost" at the course.
"Sometimes when you have a figure in place that you're aiming for, there's that extra push to make the target," councillor Davidson said.
LEETON Shire Council has received further good news regarding the golf course.
Council was notified on Monday it had been successful in applying for a $20,000 grant for weed control at the course.
The money will be used for the control of khaki weed infestations that has been causing problems at the course.
The funds have been allocated under the Public Reserves Management Program that is administered by the Crown Lands Department.
