The Helena City Commission voted 4-0 at its March 23 meeting to approve a resolution of intention to establish new fees at Bill Roberts Municipal Golf Course, repealing resolution number 20906. A public hearing on the proposed increases is set for April 6, 2026.

Parks Director Smith noted the golf fee cycle runs outside the standard July 1 fiscal year schedule because tournaments and events are already booked under the current fee structure. The Golf Advisory Board's chairman, Jack Greg, appeared at Wednesday's administrative meeting ahead of the vote to express the board's full support for the rate increases.

Finance Director Danielson provided context on the golf fund's finances, describing it as an enterprise fund meant to operate like a business. She said a 2018 general obligation bond of more than $2 million for the clubhouse, combined with the financial impact of COVID, strained the fund in recent years. She credited course managers Todd Fritter and Steven Link with turning operations around and building cash reserves. The city's general fund contribution to golf operations is budgeted to drop to $80,000 in fiscal year 2027, down sharply from prior years when the general fund was covering full debt service on the bond.

Residents who use Bill Roberts Golf Course or want to weigh in on the proposed fee changes can attend the public hearing at the April 6 City Commission meeting.