The city’s request for proposals for management of its two municipal golf courses officially went out late Friday.

Proposals are due Sept. 28.

The future of the city’s golf program depends largely on the responses to the RFP. Since the golf funds owes the city’s general find about $1 million, City Manager Greg Doyon has been more vocal in recent years about the need to address that debt to give the city more financial stability. He said during budget discussions that if no proposals are received, he will likely recommend closure of a city golf course and he has encouraged the City Commission to have a discussion about whether the city can support two courses, especially since there are also two private courses in the city.

[READ: The city’s golf RFP]

Any potential contractors that take on management of the golf courses would not be responsible for the general fund debt, Park and Recreation Director Steve Herrig told commissioners during an Aug. 21 work session.

City moving forward to seek golf course management proposals

The RFP asks for an operations plan and Herrig said the city would like to see consideration of current golf staff, but it’s not a requirement. The city will not pay a management fee, Herrig said.

Golf fee increases on Dec. 5 agenda; golf board looks at revenue ideas, changes to tournaments

Currently, a full adult season pass to both city courses is $770. For just Anaconda Hills, a full adult season pass is $565 and Eagle Falls is $660, according to the city website.

Golf fee increases get first reading during City Commission meeting

The 18-hole greens fee for Anaconda Hills on the weekend is $30 and for Eagle Falls it’s $35. The rates are $26 and $32 respectively on weekdays.

For comparison, an adult season pass at Hickory Swing Golf Course is $375. The greens fee for 18-holes is $24.

At Meadowlark County Club, an adult membership that includes unlimited golf is $373 per month, or $4,476 annually, plus a $2,000 initiation fee. The under-35 membership is $262 a month, or $3,144 annually, plus the initiation fee. For first responders and military members, the monthly fee is $298, or $3,576 annually plus the fee.

Doyon has said on many occasions that until the city resolves the golf debt, options are limited for putting more money into public safety, repairing the Civic Center or other major capital needs.

Commission adopts budget, including intent to raise taxes and plan to close Natatorium

The Great Falls Police Department requested six additional officers in this year’s budget, at an estimated $81,264 each or $487,584 for all six and Great Falls Fire requested two new firefighters for an estimated $154,000.

Sewer collapses have also been discovered under two fire stations, adding unanticipated expenses to the budget this year.