Little Falls council amends golf fee schedule, narrows youth-adult thresholds after debate

The Little Falls City Council adopted an amended golf fee schedule on April 6 that clarifies who may play without adult supervision and adjusts ancillary fees.

Alex, a city staff member presenting the item, said the updated fee schedule keeps most charges from the prior year but proposed lowering the age at which an adult is required to accompany a golfer to 15 and clarified that the council could change the no-charge youth threshold. After discussion and a motion to amend, the council settled on language making 18 and younger eligible for no-charge youth play and defining a young-adult category for fee purposes.

Council Member Glaze and other members raised equity concerns about staff using the driving range for free while members and families pay for memberships and range balls; Glaze said members “should be able to hit golf balls for free.” Other council members emphasized fiscal realities: the driving range generates revenue and any change to free range use would affect the course budget. Council members also discussed rates for young adults and a discounted membership option (half off after July 4).

The council voted to adopt Resolution 2026-21 with the amendment to the youth age threshold. Staff said further procedural or system changes that would require more time to implement can be reviewed before the next season and that the council could revisit finer details in budget and scheduling conversations.

The adopted changes will appear in the 2026 fee schedule; staff will implement the amended categories and confirm any back-office adjustments needed before the golf season opens.