Local golfers get discounts; fees raised

BONNERS FERRY — Keeping golf affordable for local golfers influenced the price of season passes at Mirror Lake Golf Course next year.

Bonners Ferry City Council members approved all proposed fee increases at Mirror Lake Golf Course except for the season passes on Sept. 3.

Instead of a $35 increase for an adult season pass, the increase is $10 for a total of $360. The husband and wife pass increased $15 instead of $45 to $645.

The family pass also increased $15 to $645 and the $50 per child or grandchild 17 years or younger remained the same.

“I’m uncomfortable with season pass increases,” said Councilman Tom Mayo. “I’ve think we’ve lost players with previous increases.”

Councilwoman Connie Wells agreed that the council should try to keep season pass prices lower.

With nearly 85 percent of season passes being purchased by local golfers, Mayor David Anderson voiced sentiment to give locals a discount.

The 9-hole, 18-hole and discount card fees were increased as the golf committee proposed. There is a $2.00 fee increase across the board for green fees. New rates are $18 for nine holes and $25 for 18 holes on weekdays and $20 for nine holes and $27 for 18 holes on weekends and holidays.

Nine hole discount cards increased from $144 to $162 and the 18 hole discount cards from $207 to $225.

“We definitely need equipment and I don’t know another way to get it,” said Councilman Rick Alonzo. “I don’t think we are asking too much.”

The funds raised from the increased fees go directly to the golf course, both equipment and management. In the current contract, 20 percent of fees go to the contractor.

“I’m uncomfortable giving 20 percent to the contractor,” said Mayo. “I’d like to see all of the increase go towards equipment and improvements.”

Anderson said the city is in the middle of contract negotiations with the concessionaire and the new concession agreement should reflect problems at golf course.

“It’s a real balancing act between improving the course or salvaging buildings,” said Anderson. “It’s an interesting situation. We are limited by the original grant and stipulations.”

The original grant obligated the city to supply citizens recreation at the golf course site.

“We are just looking to increase the bottom line a little,” said Anderson. “If we can’t maintain a flow of money, we could be operating the tackiest golf course in the United States.”

Mayo, Wells and Alonzo approved the fee increase with new councilman Bob Blanford abstaining. The new fees will be effective Nov. 1.