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Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which he signed July 4, for certain individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, known as food stamps. Able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 will be required to show proof that they worked 20 hours a week.

Christine Bianco, commissioner of the Cayuga County Department of Social Services, told the county Legislature's Ways and Means Committee on July 15 that "a large chunk" of the individuals receiving food stamps will have to complete the work requirements.

"(It) is going to put a strain on the staff to track that, give information about where to go to fulfill those work requirements and do reporting," Bianco said. "There's going to be a lot of federal reporting that has to do with that."

The county Department of Social Services already has vacant positions that need to be filled, but there is another budgetary challenge posed by the federal food stamp changes.

Cayuga and other counties receive 50% from the federal government to cover administrative costs for the food stamp program. Trump's bill lowers the reimbursement rate to 25%.

Lynn Marinelli, the county's budget director, told lawmakers that the county could lose $500,000 for operating SNAP. Bianco added that the county's contribution for administration expenses could rise by $554,000.

"We're going to get a double mandate to be doing more work with them to do their (work requirements) and we have to pay people to do it or we're not going to be in compliance with that," Marinelli said.

The reduced federal share of the food stamp administration costs is scheduled to begin in 2026. Bianco said it will be a huge cost shift for counties.

It also gives the county another hurdle to overcome during its 2026 budget process. Lawmakers are hoping to reduce the county's reliance on its dwindling fund balance.

The options for the county include overriding the property tax cap, which is likely, and deep spending cuts.

Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Anna is planning to present the proposed 2026 budget this fall. The budget must be finalized by mid-December.