Casper City Council Weeks Rate Hikes, New Fee at Municipal Golf Course

The Casper City Council is considering a series of rate increases and a new facility fee at the Casper Municipal Golf Course, aimed at funding a new clubhouse and preserving the course’s status as the city’s only self-sustaining recreation enterprise.

Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Director Zulima Lopez presented the proposal at Tuesday’s work session. Under the plan, adult season passes would rise from $625 to $690, and half-season passes from $400 to $425.

Daily rates would shift to a dynamic pricing model, with higher weekend fees to manage capacity and boost slower weekday play. Nine-hole adult green fees would increase from $24 to $26 on weekdays and to $30 on weekends. For 18 holes, adult rates would go from $36 to $40 on weekdays and to $44 on weekends. Youth rates would also rise but remain significantly lower.

A new 5% facility fee on all point-of-sale transactions except food and beverage would take effect, increasing to 10% in 2027. Revenue would be earmarked for a new clubhouse to replace the 46-year-old structure, which Lopez said shows its age with deteriorating floors and shifting walls. Renovating the existing building would cost nearly as much as total replacement, according to a structural engineer’s assessment.

Councilors were divided on the facility fee. Councilor Pat Sweeney worried about the cumulative burden on local golfers. Councilor Amber Pollock supported the approach, saying “the facility fee model to me feels like the most viable path to create some amount of sustainability.”

The golf course fund is currently self-sustaining, operating without general fund subsidies. To maintain that status and meet a council-mandated 110% cost recovery goal, the city needs an additional $164,000 in annual operational revenue from the rate hikes. The facility fee is projected to generate $77,000 in its first year.

The fund maintains $290,000 in operating reserves, has paid over $400,000 for recent capital improvements, and has $250,000 reserved for 70 new golf carts in 2028. Planned 2026 amenities include a self-service range ball dispenser and GPS technology on carts.

The council will vote on the proposal at a future meeting. If approved, rate changes would take effect immediately.