The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on Wednesday tabled consideration of proposed 2026 golf season pass rules that would eliminate a decades‑old 10% year‑end discount and change pass validity dates.

Parks staff told the board the end‑of‑year 10% discount originated during years of tight finances and now yields about $6,300 in revenue; staff recommend dropping the discount and adjusting the pass validity so a 2026 pass would be valid from opening day until courses close, instead of the current March 1–Nov. 30 window. “We're nowhere near going into the red. Right. We have a healthy cash balance. So I just don't see the value in giving that 10% discount anymore,” the staff presenter said.

Context: staff said pass sales are concentrated in several product types and that green fees likely will increase; the proposed change would raise the effective price some longtime passholders pay because the 10% year‑end discount would be removed even if the retail pass price is unchanged. Board members raised concerns about customer reaction—many pass buyers are retirees who expect the traditional discount—and asked for historical sales data before voting.

The board voted to table the item so staff can provide numbers on how many passes sold during the discount window, sales history, and timing for producing physical passes. Staff offered a workaround: sell passes now without the physical card and issue cards later if necessary, but asked the board for time to compile the vendor and sales history information.

No ordinance or fee schedule was adopted; staff will return with recommended fee changes and supporting data at the board’s October meeting.