Council Approves Fee Hike At Knoll Golf Club West

Council members unanimously agreed to up annual membership fees at Tuesday night, saying that if they didn't, funding the club might eventually become a burden to taxpayers.

For the past few years, the Knoll Country Club has spent more than 70 percent of its surplus budget, said Councilman John Cesaro. 

If it faces , as it has for at least the past two years, it might have to operate with money from the township's emergency fund. "It's possible that could happen,'' said Cesaro.

An increase in fees would help prevent that, officials agreed. The Knoll Golf Facility functions as a township utility and is funded with membership fees. 

The increase, proposed by Knoll golf superintendent Pat DeFalco, would be $50 for township residents, $100 for out-of-town members and $150 for out-of-state residents. 

Fees at Knoll Golf Club East, where 85 percent of the members are residents, will remain the same. At the West club, there is a much greater percentage of corporate members and out-of-towners, according to DeFalco.

The semi-private Knoll West has about 1,000 members, as well as a long waiting list. The current general dues are $600 for residents; $1,200 for out-of-town New Jersey residents and $1,800 for out-of-state members. There are also rates for restricted access and corporate memberships.