ENDICOTT, N.Y. (WBNG) — Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Broome County Legislature Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds sent a letter to Village of Endicott Mayor Nick Burlingame and members of the Village Board on Tuesday stating the county will not submit a proposal in response to the Village’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for operation and management of En-Joie Golf Club.
The county’s current agreement to operate and manage En-Joie Golf Club expires Dec. 31, 2026.
Rather than participating in the RFP process, the county reiterated a previous proposal to extend the current management agreement for one additional year while working with the Village to complete the transfer of En-Joie Golf Club to Broome County. Under that proposal, Broome County would invest in replacing the course’s aging irrigation system.
In a response, the Village of Endicott said it has consistently engaged in discussions with Broome County regarding future ownership and operations of En-Joie, stating those negotiations were unsuccessful.
The village said that in May 2026, a formal request was sent to the county to extend the current operating agreement for one year in order to provide additional time for negotiations and to address legal matters associated with the next steps for the golf course. The village said the county refused that proposal.
The county expressed concern that the Village’s decision to issue an RFP during the final months of the existing management agreement created uncertainty for employees, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the county as it develops its 2027 budget.
The village stated that because the county refused the proposal, it fulfilled its responsibility by starting a transparent public procurement process.
“Issuing a Request for Proposals is a standard government practice designed to ensure accountability to taxpayers while allowing all qualified parties, including Broome County, the opportunity to submit proposals for consideration,” the village statement said.
The county noted that En-Joie employs staff whose livelihoods depend on the facility, and that the on-site restaurant has already booked weddings, graduation parties, rehearsal dinners, and other catered events into 2027.
The village recognizes the importance of the golf course for the community, its employees, local businesses, charitable organizations, and the many events held at the course each year outside of the annual Dick’s Open.
Village Mayor Nicholas Burlingame mentioned that the village is open to having continued conversations with the county.
“Our goal has always been to preserve En-Joie for future generations while acting in the best interest of our residents,” Burlingame said. “We remain willing to have constructive conversations with Broome County, and welcome their participation in the PFP process,” he said.
Both the county and village said they are willing to revisit discussions.
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