Commission adopts 2026 golf fee schedule; public urges senior discounts amid course maintenance concerns

The Great Falls City Commission voted 5-0 on March 17 to adopt Resolution 10615, approving the 2026 golf fee schedule to cover operating costs and position the municipal courses for capital improvements, Park and Recreation Interim Director Jessica Compton said.

Course operations have been managed by CourseCo since 2018. Compton and CourseCo representative Jeff Stange told commissioners that outstanding course debt has fallen from about $1 million in 2018 to roughly $20,000 and is expected to be retired by fiscal year 2027; CourseCo plans capital work after the debt is repaid and staff said the proposed rates are designed to address inflationary operating costs while keeping the program self-sustaining without drawing on the City’s general fund.

During the public hearing, residents urged caution on the rate increase for frequent senior players. Butch Basto said many golfers are senior citizens on fixed incomes and warned that higher cart fees would burden that population. Randy Golightly likewise asked the City to consider reduced pass and day rates for older residents and described cart-path conditions that have damaged carts. Jeff Stange acknowledged the condition concerns and said the department plans to use a resurfacer this spring to grind and level gravel; he estimated a full asphalt resurfacing at both courses would cost about $900,000.

Commissioner Rick Tryon said the modest weekday increase — $1 for 18 holes — was reasonable and praised CourseCo’s management, saying bringing in a private operator was “the best thing the City did” to reduce reliance on the general fund. Commissioners indicated senior-rate options could be considered during upcoming budget discussions.

The Commission adopted the resolution on a motion by Commissioner Shannon Wilson, seconded by Commissioner Rick Tryon; Mayor Cory Reeves called the 5-0 vote.