The Cayuga County Legislature voted last month not to renew an agreement with the Finger Lakes Institute to monitor the health of Owasco Lake. That decision is not sitting well with some members of Auburn City Council.
Councilor Jimmy Giannettino spoke to his colleagues at last Thursday’s meeting, saying “I’m disgusted by this. I’m disheartened by this. I hope the legislature will take this up again at the end of this month.”
Councilor Terry Cuddy shared the same concerns as Giannettino. He added that, while the city does everything it can to protect the lake – a source of drinking water for over 45,000 people – Auburn needs partners in the fight to ensure its health.
At Mayor Michael Quill’s suggestion, City Council plans to draft a letter sharing its concerns with the county’s decision to present to the legislature.
The Cayuga County Legislature’s vote was largely along party lines with Republicans David Gould and Jim Basile joining Democrats in support of continuing the agreement.
Michael Didio was not present at the meeting and Aileen McNabb-Coleman, who attended virtually, was unable to vote due to technical issues.
The Finger Lakes Institute has been monitoring the lake since 2005.
Cayuga County Votes Down Agreement with Finger Lakes Institute to Monitor Owasco Lake Watershed
