City commissioners on Monday agreed to increase fees at the Bill Roberts Golf Course, marking at least the third year in a row that the city has upped season passes and other charges at the course.

Parks and Recreation Director Amy Teegarden said the increases were necessary due to rising operations and maintenance costs, but she added that course officials are studying ways to reduce expenses.

"We are still the best value in the valley, and we are consistent with other municipal golf courses," Teegarden said.

Robert Anderson, a member of the course's advisory committee, said board members are concerned about the consistent rise in fees in recent years and said the committee is working to put together a long-term business plan and develop strategies to keep fees competitive. He still urged commissioners to vote for the increase, and the measure passed 4-0.

The city and advisory committee members have worked to improve the course in recent years by expanding operating hours and adding capital improvements. The most recent project is work to expand and improve the course's driving range, a job expected to be completed in time for the course's opening next year.

Here's a roundup of the fee increases:

n Unrestricted adult passes will cost $600 for individuals, a $45 increase, and couples will pay $950, an increase of $55. Senior passes will increase $55 for individuals, to $550, and senior couples' passes will go up $95, to $900. Student passes will go up $30, to $350, and dependents' passes will go up $15, to $150.

n Restricted adult passes, which don't include weekends, holidays or prime time, will cost $500 for individuals, an increase of $45. Couples passes go up $70, to $750. Senior passes will go up $35 for individuals to $450, and senior couples will pay $750, an increase of $70. Junior passes will cost $200, an increase of $40.

n Nine-hole rounds will cost $18, up $2, and 18-hole rounds will cost $30, up $3. Junior and senior golfers will also see increases in greens fees.

n Golf cart rentals will increase 50 cents for every nine holes, and annual cart leases will cost $540, a $15 increase.

n Pull-cart fees will increase 50 cents, and club rentals will rise 50 cents per nine holes.

n Driving range fees remain the same.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com