Taylor council approves purchase of Sand Pro for more than $18K

TAYLOR, B.C. — The district council has approved reallocating 2026 capital plan funds to buy a Sand Pro. 

At the June 15th District of Taylor regular council meeting, staff recommended allocating funds from the 2026 capital plan, which was budgeted for a tow-behind aerator, to purchase a refurbished 2018 Toro 5040 Sand Pro for $18,500 plus taxes. 

The report was first presented to the council during the June 15th committee of the whole meeting and, after receiving positive feedback from the council, was elevated for formal approval at the regular council meeting. 

A sand pro is a multi-utility vehicle which is primarily used on golf courses and sports fields to groom and maintain sand bunkers and dirt inlets. 

The sand pro will replace the Lone Wolf Golf Course’s existing 1998 Toro 5020 Sand Pro, which staff said has reached the end of its useful service life. 

When the previous golf season ended, the golf course was operating with only one of its two sand pro units.

The course’s second machine, a 1997 Toro 5020 Sand Pro unit, required repairs, scheduled to be completed before the 2026 season started.

At the start of the season, the 1998 unit’s engine failed. As replacement parts are being discontinued, the report said repairs are difficult and costly, reducing the equipment’s reliability and availability. 

The report said the 2026 capital plan allocated $20,000 for a tow-behind aerator, which enhances the overall turf health and playing condition. 

But, properly groomed bunkers are essential to meet the standards of play that members and guests expect at the golf course. 

The staff have identified the 2018 Toro 5040 Sand Pro from Oakcreek Golf and Turf for $18,500, which has a rebuilt engine and hydraulic system. 

This unit’s cost is significantly lower than a new replacement unit, which is estimated at approximately $50,000. 

The report said staff have reached an agreement with the supplier to rent with an option to purchase the unit. 

While repairs are being completed on the existing 1997 unit, staff will include replacing the remaining 1998 sand pro unit with a newer model in the next five-year capital plan. 

To read the full report, see below.