NAUGATUCK — The Board of Mayor and Burgesses last week approved a new contract that will keep Bryan Nixon the golf pro at Hop Brook Golf Course for the next three years.
Nixon, a Naugatuck native, was originally hired last March under a one-year agreement. The new deal extends his contract through Dec. 31, 2020.
“No one that interacted with Bryan had a bad word to say about him,” Golf Commission Chairman Patrick Corbett said. “Our revenues have increase, and Bryan has come up with innovated ways to make that happen. He has kept the budget intact and understands the importance to the town and taxpayers.”
Nixon receives a base weekly salary while the course is open between April 1 and Nov. 30, according to the contract. Nixon’s weekly salary is $750 in the first year of the new contract, which is an increase of $110, or 17.2 percent, over his previous salary. Nixon’s weekly salary will increase $50 in 2019 and 2020, under the contract.
For any time Nixon works prior to April 1 or after Nov. 30, he will be paid a per diem hourly rate of his base salary divided by 40, according to the contract.
Nixon is not eligible for benefits, such as paid sick days, vacation days or health insurance.
This year, Nixon will also receive a payment of $1 for each golf cart rental at the course up to $15,000, according to the contract.
Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess said the course is raising the cart rental fees by $1 to offset the cost of the incentive.
The contract also offers performance bonuses if Nixon meets certain goals.
Under the contract, if the course has fiscal year revenues of $475,000 to $499,999, Nixon will receive a $2,500 bonus. If the fiscal year revenues are $500,000 or higher, Nixon will receive a $5,000 bonus.
Under the contract, the bonuses can only be paid out one time each over the term of the deal.
Nixon is responsible for managing the daily operations and personnel at the pro shop, enforcement of course rules, and working with the public. The contract allows for Nixon to use the course outside his normal hours for private golf lessons. During this time, Nixon is not acting as an employee of Naugatuck, and the borough is not responsible for any liability insurance related to the lessons, the contract stipulates.
Corbett said the commission’s goals for Nixon are to raise revenue, increase participation at the course, and to bring back programs the course used to have, including the juniors and seniors programs.
“Bringing in new players and continuing with his professionalism will help keep Hop Brook moving forward for the town’s taxpayers,” Corbett said.
The board praised the work Nixon is doing at the course.
“Bryan has done an outstanding job at the golf course. It is just great to have him there. We look forward to many more years of continued success,” Hess said.
Burgess Rocky Vitale said the course is finally heading in the right direction.
“After many years of upheaval, the golf course is doing what it should be doing. Everybody is loving it and it was the perfect decision to have this manager there,” Vitale said.
Nixon could not be reached for comment.
