A Fairway Forward: Why a Flat-Rate Lease Makes Sense for Our Municipal Golf Course

By Deborah A. Kaufman, Mayor

For decades, our municipal golf course has been a cherished community asset—a green haven where friends enjoy a round, charities host vibrant tournaments, and visitors experience the charm of our City. Yet, behind the pristine fairways lies a financial arrangement in need of reform.

Since 2008, the city has leased the golf course clubhouse for just $1 per year, while charging a modest trail and winter cart-storage fee that increased from $500 to $960 over 17 years—still well below market rates. For 16 stored carts, the city collects $960 annually, compared to $4,801.60 if the lessee paid standard member rates ($269.10 gas cart fee + $31.05 winter storage per cart). This $3,841.60 shortfall effectively subsidizes a private operator, potentially violating Article VIII, Section 1 of the New York State Constitution, known as the Gift Clause.

The Gift Clause prohibits municipalities from giving or loaning public property to private entities without receiving fair compensation. A $1 lease for a revenue-generating public asset, coupled with below-market fees, constitutes an unconstitutional gift of public resources. While past administrations may not have been aware of this issue, we are now correcting it to ensure compliance and fairness.

Meanwhile, the costs of maintaining the course—mowing, irrigation, equipment, and staffing, facility maintenance, utilities, etc.—have surged. The city has quietly subsidized the operation for years, pulling funds from roads, parks, and public safety to keep the course and its clubhouse in top condition.

This arrangement wasn’t just outdated—we now know—it was unlawful.

With the current lease expiring on October 31, the Golf Commission met with the operator, who stated he would pay $0 to continue the lease, leaving no room for negotiation. This stance left the city no choice but to open the process to competitive bidding, as required by law.

Social media has buzzed with claims that this move is “unfair” to the longtime operator. The facts are simple:

• The contract will expired naturally October 31st. No one was “pushed out.”
• The operator’s proposal of $0 was rejected by the Golf Commission.
• The City is required to uphold state law and fiscal responsibility.

We are now seeking proposals for a flat-rate, six-month lease covering the operating season (April through October) for our 9-hole course.

Our updated lease agreement and open bidding ensures:

• Compliance: Ending a long-standing violation of the New York State Constitution.
• Equity: Ensuring taxpayers no longer subsidize a private operation.
• Sustainability: Generating fair revenue to offset maintenance costs.

Looking ahead, the course will remain open to the public—no membership required. We welcome proposals that include junior clinics, community events, and inclusive programming. The facility, near the snowmobile trail, is also available for a year-round lease with provisions to preserve the course.

To those who call this change “sudden,” I ask: How long should we delay compliance with state law?

Our golf course is a community treasure, and these lease adjustments are a necessary step toward a fairer, stronger future for all.