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Council removes proposed veteran and city-employee golf discounts after heated discussion
Summary
Joplin City Council struck a proposed ordinance that would have applied discounted green fees for veterans and city employees after public comment and extended council debate about revenue impacts and tee-time availability.
Council members moved on May 4 to remove a proposed ordinance that would have changed fee policy at Shiffer Decker Golf Course, including adding veterans to senior categories and creating a 10% city-employee discount.
Phil Stinnett, a city resident and frequent player, told the council he opposed the plan, saying it would unfairly shift costs to other golfers. "I don't think there's any justification for a rate increase based on probably numbers that don't justify it," he said, and later argued that raising fees to subsidize employee discounts would be unfair to other patrons.
City staff said the changes were part of a biannual user-fee review. "This council bill grants a 10% discount to the green fees for city employees and adds veterans to the senior green fees and annual pass, which equals a discount of 20% to 29% depending upon the number of holes played along with the day played," staff member Leslie told the council. Staff explained the proposal also includes a $2 increase to regular green fees and a $1 increase to cart fees intended to offset most of the estimated revenue loss.
Council members pressed staff on the assumptions behind the revenue estimate, how many veterans or city employees might take the discount and whether the change would reduce available tee times for paying customers. Councilmember Koppel and Councilmember Bard both urged postponing or abandoning the proposal; Koppel said the presentation's methodology left too many unanswered questions about the projected $200,000-plus shortfall in operations.
Councilmember Detar moved to strike Council bill 2026-510 from the agenda and to direct staff to revisit the issue during the budget process; Bard seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with eight members in favor.
The council directed staff to bring alternative options during budget work sessions so the council can consider mechanisms that would honor veterans and staff without unduly harming course revenue or availability.
