Commission To Decide On Fee Increases For County Golf Courses

There’s a new Spokane County commissioner in office, so it must be time to discuss greens fees.

Parks staff want commissioners to raise the cost of playing 18 holes of golf from $14.50 to $15 for adults.

There would be similar increases for kids and senior citizens, and for nine-hole games.

The cost for a season pass would increase from $825 to $855. The passes would be valid only March through October, instead of year-round.

Commissioners will discuss the proposed increases, which would pay for repairs at the three courses, at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the public works hearing room, 1026 W. Broadway.

In November, the city of Spokane increased its fees for residents to $18 to $22, depending on the course. There are a variety of discount cards to cut the cost.

The last time Spokane County considered a rate hike was last January, shortly after Commissioner John Roskelley took office. He suggested a $2 increase, with $1 earmarked for the courses and $1 for county parks.

Commissioners raised fees $1 after duffers - many of them angry at Roskelley - packed a hearing.

This year’s hearing comes as Commissioner Kate McCaslin is starting her first term.

Told during a briefing Thursday that many weekday tee times weren’t taken last year, McCaslin said the county should consider cutting fees, not raising them.

When business is slow in stores “they have a sale,” said McCaslin. “That brings in a lot more customers and a lot more volume.”

Commissioner Phil Harris said he won’t support a rate increase. He said the county needs to do a better job of marketing its courses. Roskelley kept quiet.

, DataTimes