Salt Lake City is considering raising greens fees on its eight golf courses an average of $1.50, with cart rental and driving-range fees going up as well.
The proposed increase would move the city's courses from the general bottom end of the price scale to the middle.
"Basically what we're doing is a catch-up," said assistant golf manager Steve Wetherell. "Like all businesses, our personnel and materials costs go up every year."
The city last raised golf fees in 1997. Salt Lake County raised its fees last year.
City Council members tentatively favor the increase, noting that it works out to about 3 percent per year over the three years. "That's not huge," said Councilwoman Nancy Saxton.
Nevertheless, in a meeting Tuesday council members expressed concern that the administration has not yet indicated what, if any, golf services might increase as a result of the fee hike. That will be discussed during the city budget process over the next few months.
"We're a little ahead of the budget process, but it's easier to do at the first of the season instead of the middle of the season," Wetherell said.
A public hearing on the proposed increase is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the City & County Building, 451 S. State, Room 315, after which the council is likely to vote on the matter. The increases will be effective immediately.