Golf course contractor recommended for renewal despite recent criticism

A golf course maintenance contractor has been included in a $6.8 million landscaping package despite recent criticism from Villagers.

Down to Earth is included in a package to be presented for a vote Wednesday by the Amenity Authority Committee, which oversees amenities north of County Road 466.

Down to Earth has been a contractor in The Villages for 20 years. Down to Earth is currently in charge of the AAC’s Hilltop, Silver Lake, Chula Vista, Mira Mesa, De La Vista, El Santiago, El Diablo, Saddlebrook and Hawkes Bay golf courses.

In recent months, residents have lodged complaints about the quality of service being provided by Down To Earth. In response to those complaints, District management, including Director of Executive Golf Maintenance Donald Jones, who was brought in earlier this year to succeed Mitch Leininger, met with Down To Earth. The company “acknowledged where they fell short,” according to an internal email from Assistant District Manager Bruce Brown. Down To Earth provided assurances that the company continues to “value” its relationship with The Villages. Down to Earth agreed to bring in 15 additional workers to beef up their performance.

AAC member William Williamson, in an email earlier this year, called Down To Earth’s response “a little too late.” He said Down To Earth agreed to step up its performance in an effort to renew its contract.

The AAC will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday at Savannah Center.