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Real Briefings

City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Committee

BEL-CON-PRC-2026-01-26 January 26, 2026 Parks & Recreation Committee City of Bellingham 28 min
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The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Committee unanimously approved a 5% green fee increase for Lake Padden Golf Course, exceeding the previously authorized 3% annual limit and requiring Council approval. The increase is driven by state-mandated wage increases, rising utility costs, and inflation, and is expected to generate an additional $100,000 annually in revenue. Despite the increase, Lake Padden will remain the lowest-priced golf course in Whatcom County. The golf course continues to show strong financial performance, with revenue increasing by $1 million since 2020. However, 2025 marked the first year the course showed decreased profitability due to rapidly rising payroll costs, particularly from state-mandated salary increases for exempt employees. The course's four key salaried positions saw their combined annual salaries jump from $69,000 in January 2025 to $80,000 in January 2026. Premier Golf management presented an optimistic outlook for 2026, highlighting the successful integration of new technology and expanded programming. The course served 44,000 rounds in 2025, up from 39,000 in 2023, with 83% of visitors coming from Whatcom or Skagit counties. New TrackMan range technology will be installed to attract both golfers and non-golfers, potentially expanding the course's market reach from the typical 7-10 mile radius to 25-30 miles.

**AB 24814 - Golf Course Fee Resolution:** - **Vote:** 3-0 to recommend approval - **Staff Recommendation:** Increase green fees by 5% (exceeds normal 3% threshold) - **Financial Impact:** Expected $100,00…

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**Green Fee Increase Justification:** The 5% increase represents the first time in recent years that Lake Padden has requested an increase exceeding the 3% threshold that allows Premier Golf to adjust rates without Council approval. The primary driver is state-mandated wage increases affecting the course's four key salaried positions: superintendent, mechanic, food and beverage director, and general manager. These combined salaries increased from $57,000 in 2023 to $69,000 in 2025 to $80,000 in 2026. **Budget Structure and Performance:** The golf course operates under a complex dual-budget structure. Premier Golf manages $1.6 million in operating expenses including payroll and man…
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**Michael Fosnick (Premier Golf Operations Director):** Emphasized that municipal golf should create value for citizens while remaining affordable. Stressed that the 5% increase is necessary to keep pace with state-mandated wage increases while maintaining Lake Padden as the region's lowest-priced course. Expressed confidence that new technology and programming will generate additional revenue streams beyond green fees. **Steven Janiszewski (Park Operations Manager):** Provided detailed budget breakdowns showing the dual nature of the golf course budget. Highlighted the success of the water conservation capital r…
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**Michael Fosnick, on municipal golf philosophy:** "Municipal golf is not supposed to be a money maker. It's not a private entity. It's supposed to create value for the citizens of Bellingham and Whatcom County." **Michael Fosnick, on staff retention challenges:** "I feel like our superintendent is probably being recruited right now for a job that's going to pay him 20% more than he's making right now." **Michael Fosnick, on the TrackMan technology impact:** "The TrackMan technology will be …
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The resolution will be presented to the full City Council at the regular evening meeting. The Parks and Recreation Committee's 3-0 recommendation advances the fee increase for final Council consideration. TrackMan range technology installation is planned for 2026, which will be the only such system in Whatcom County. Food …

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Lake Padden Golf Course green fees will increase by 5% if approved by full Council, marking the first time in recent years the increase exceeded the 3% threshold requiring Council approval. The course will implement TrackMan technology as a new revenue stream and amenity. Junior golf rates will remain unch…
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# Lake Padden Golf Course Fee Increase — A Revenue Challenge Amid Rising Costs ## Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council's Parks and Recreation Committee convened on Sunday, January 26, 2026, at 1:45 p.m. to consider a single but significant item: a 5% increase in green fees at Lake Padden Golf Course. Committee Chair Edwin "Skip" Williams presided over the meeting, joined by committee members Daniel Hammill and Jace Cotton. The session featured presentations from Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Oliver, Park Operations Manager Steve Janiszewski, and Michael Fosnick from Premier Golf, the company that manages the course under contract with the city. The proposed fee increase — from current rates to approximately $42 for 18 holes before the $6 water conservation surcharge — represents a departure from the normal 3% annual increases the golf course is authorized to implement without council approval. This higher increase requires council authorization and reflects the mounting pressure of state-mandated wage increases, inflation, and operational costs that are outpacing normal revenue growth. What emerged from the 28-minute meeting was a picture of a golf course operation that has been remarkably successful in generating revenue — up nearly $1 million from 2020 to 2025 — but now faces cost pressures that threaten its ability to remain financially self-sustaining while keeping golf affordable for local residents. ## The Financial Picture — Success Story with Growing Challenges Steve Janiszewski opened the presentation by walking through the golf course's complex financial structure. The operation actually consists of two separate budgets: Premier Golf's operating expenses of $1.6 million, which …
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A structured study guide helping readers understand the meeting's content and context. ### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council Parks and Recreation Committee met on January 26, 2026, to consider a resolution establishing fees for the Lake Padden Golf Course. The committee approved a 5% green fee increase for 2026, exceeding the typical 3% annual limit due to rising operating costs. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Green Fees:** The cost golfers pay to play a round of golf at the course. At Lake Padden, this was proposed to increase from approximately $42 to $48 for 18 holes (including the $6 water conservation charge). **Water Conservation Capital Reinvestment Surcharge:** A $6 fee added to each round of golf since July 2023 to fund major capital improvements, particularly irrigation system replacement. This fee generates about $100,000 annually. **Premier Golf Management:** The private company (formerly Troon) that operates Lake Padden Golf Course under contract with the city. They handle day-to-day operations while the city maintains ownership. **Enterprise Fund:** A city budget mechanism where the golf course operates like a business, with revenues expected to cover operating expenses rather than relying on general city funds. **Trackman Technology:** New driving range technology being installed that tracks golf ball flight and allows virtual golf games. Lake Padden will be the only course in Whatcom County with this technology. **Core Four:** The four salaried employees at the golf course - general manager, superintendent, mechanic, and food & beverage director - whose wages are subject to state-mandated salary increases. **Management Fee:** The annual fee (approximately $185,000) paid to Premier Golf for operating the course, including base management costs plus performance incentives. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Edwin H. "Skip" Williams | Committee Chair, Bellingham City Council Fourth Ward | | Daniel Hammill | Committee Member, Bellingham City Council Third Ward | | Jace Cotton | Committee Member, Bellingham City Council At-Large | | Nicole Oliver | Parks and Recreation Director, City of Bellingham | | Steven Janiszewski | Park Operations Manager, City of Bellingham | | Michael Fosnick | Director of Operations, Premier Golf Management | ### Background Context Lake Padden Golf Course has been a municipal golf facility serving Bellingham and Whatcom County for decades. Since 2018, the city has contracted with Premier Golf (formerly Troon) to manage daily operations while maintaining public ownership. The course has seen remarka…
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Government Operations AB 24814 Bellingham Lake Padden Lake Padden Golf Course Parks Recreation Premier Golf Troon Troon Golf Watcom County Daniel Hammill Edwin Williams Jace Cotton Michael Fosnick Nicole Oliver Steven Janiszewski Budget Disc Golf Fee Increase Fee Increases Food Beverage Golf Course Golf Technology Irrigation Junior Golf Mountain Biking Municipal Golf Payroll Recreation Revenue Revenue Track Man Wage Mandates Water Conservation