Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves fee increases for Bluffs Golf Course and Prentice Plunge pool
Summary
Council approved resolutions to raise fees at the Bluffs Golf Course and the Prentice Plunge pool. Staff said golf rounds in 2025 were about 43,000 and that fee changes are expected to raise golf revenues by roughly $20,000–$30,000 annually; the pool season pass would increase from $55 to $65.
The Vermillion City Council on Dec. 1 approved two resolutions raising user fees at municipal recreation facilities.
Jim Goldbush, the parks staff member who oversees the golf course and aquatic operations, told the council the Bluffs Golf Course has operated at a loss and staff recommended a broader adjustment to rates after historically increasing rates modestly. "Overall, the total rounds in 2025 is about 43,000 rounds of golf have been played this year," Goldbush said, adding season passes sold in 2025 totaled about 320. He said rate comparisons showed the Bluffs' prices were among the lowest in the region and estimated the proposed adjustments would increase revenues by about $20,000–$30,000 per year. The council voted to adopt the recommended golf course fee changes.
Goldbush also presented recommended adjustments to season passes at Prentice Plunge. Staff proposed keeping daily admission at $6 for those 7 and older while increasing the season pass for ages 7+ from $55 to $65. Goldbush said income‑based discounts (20%, 40%, 75%) tied to Department of Social Services guidelines would remain in place and that the pool's revenues are accounted for in the general fund. The council approved the pool fee resolution by voice vote.
Goldbush noted the city offers scholarships for junior memberships and a reduced first‑year adult membership option. Council members asked about competition from the USD pool and attendance figures for aquatic programs; Goldbush said the facilities serve different needs and reported 4,000–6,000 annual pool uses for water‑walking depending on weather.
Both fee resolutions were adopted during the meeting; implementation details and an updated rate sheet were included in the council packet.
