Committee endorses modest golf fee increases, forwards rate resolution to full council

The Public Works, Parks, Recreation, and Environment Committee voted Jan. 28 to forward a mayoral resolution to the Hartford City Council that would raise municipal golf-course fees by roughly 4% and increase senior rates by about 2.75%.

Bill Roseland, golf operations manager for the city of Hartford, told the committee the golf course oversight commission recommended the increase after reviewing expenses. "The golf commission came back with ... settling on a 4% increase across all green fees and ... also a 2.75 only for seniors due to ... the cost of living increase for Social Security," Roseland said. He told members the changes translate to a couple dollars for residents and as much as a $3 increase for some nonresident weekend rates.

Roseland said higher costs for maintenance contractors and new golf-cart leases — including a recent switch to electric carts at Goodwin — are the main drivers. He said the last rate change was about two seasons ago and noted some competitors set increases later in the year, complicating direct comparisons. "We are lower than both of them in rates," Roseland said, referring to nearby Stanley Park and Rockledge.

The manager also updated the committee on the Goodwin Park clubhouse: the city has identified a new restaurant contractor who is finalizing paperwork and applying for a liquor license. Roseland described planned kitchen improvements intended to support larger events and outings, including a double oven and a walk-in cooler.

Roseland reported grant-funded cart-path improvements and new cart fleets have increased cart revenue, from "about 289,000" to "close to 350,000." He said First Tee was the only verified bidder on the most recent golf contract solicitation and that the city is finalizing that contract.

A committee member moved to send the rate-resolution and the oversight commission'recommended changes to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee did not adopt fee changes itself; next steps call for City Council action on the mayoral resolution.

The committee meeting concluded with the item scheduled to proceed to the full City Council for consideration.