Council approves Amberwood anniversary membership marketing contract and budget amendment; staff told to pass card fees to buyers

The Inver Grove Heights City Council approved a contract with Mulligan Marketing Concepts to run an anniversary membership campaign for Amberwood Golf Course and adopted a resolution amending the 2025 golf‑course operating budget to cover campaign expenses.

Staff presentation and program design Parks/golf staff described prior anniversary memberships run in 2018, 2021 and 2023 and said the campaigns have been profitable; the 2026–27 campaign price was proposed at $398 (up from $298 in 2023). The membership allows purchasers to reserve tee times within a three‑day booking window for certain off‑peak times (the membership excludes weekend mornings and holidays). Staff said the campaign is intended to increase course utilization and ancillary spending (pro shop, food and beverage, lessons) and that the campaign revenue would largely be recognized in 2026–27 while the city would pay a 10% marketing fee to Mulligan.

Budget amendment and payment processing Council also approved a budget amendment to increase the golf course professional services line (to pay Mulligan’s fee) and to increase the budgeted credit‑card and bank charges to account for processing costs. Staff reported past campaigns have generated credit‑card fees in the $40k–$45k range and estimated a roughly $50,000 increase in processing fees tied to the new campaign.

Council direction on fees and sale mechanics Councilors discussed whether the credit‑card processing cost should be absorbed by the golf fund or passed to purchasers. Several council members — and staff — recommended that online processing fees be passed to buyers. Council provided direction that staff pursue a payment setup that allows the service fee to be borne by customers, and approved the contract and the budget amendment. Staff also said in‑person or cash payment options remain available in limited circumstances to accommodate customers who do not pay online.

Vote: On motion, council approved the marketing contract with Mulligan Marketing Concepts and adopted the resolution authorizing the budget amendment (motion seconded; vote recorded as aye, motion carries).

Ending: Staff will implement the marketing sale soon (staff indicated sale could begin within days) and will work with finance on payment‑processing options; the campaign is expected to increase off‑peak utilization and ancillary revenue for Amberwood Golf Course.