Cayuga County legislators got a look Thursday night at the county’s 2025 tentative budget.
Legislator Chair Aileen McNabb-Coleman gave the presentation for the $192.5 million spending plan. As she began, she noted it would be a difficult year ahead.
“This is a difficult budget to share and this is a difficult year that we are facing.”
McNabb-Coleman noted that budget pressures include increases in health insurance premiums, salary increases, and costs related to the closure of the County Office Building and subsequent relocation of services.
Under the plan, 23 positions will be eliminated to save money. 19 of the eliminated positions are full-time (11 are vacant) and four are part-time. McNabb-Coleman noted this would mark the first time in at least two decades that positions would be removed.
The proposal also includes a 4% increase to the property tax levy.
4% property tax increase
Ultimately, McNabb-Coleman said she feels the budget, while difficult, is a responsible one.
“I do feel this is a responsible budget. It is not an easy budget and it is not something I have ever dreamt about standing up here and talking to you about… This is all new territory for all of us.”
The Ways & Means Committee will hold two budget workshops on Tuesday and Thursday where they can propose amendments and additions that must be voted on by the full legislature. The budget must be approved by December 20.
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