The Auburn City Council on Thursday will vote on the 2025-26 budget with $49.8 million in spending and a 3.84% property tax levy increase.
The vote will conclude a months-long budget process that began with an $8.6 million shortfall. According to a summary of the final budget, city officials cut $3.2 million from the initial proposal and increased revenue by $4.3 million. The city will use $1 million from its dwindling fund balance to help close the gap.
Before identifying other sources of revenue, including several fee increases, the City Council considered overriding the property tax cap. However, in a rare split vote聽for the all-Democratic council, the proposal was rejected.
The 3.84% property tax levy increase in the final budget stays within the tax cap, according to the summary.
City officials acknowledged the challenges during this budget season. Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino said in April that there is a usually a large gap when the budget process begins. He advised the council and staff to address the deficit "in a way that's respectful to our workforce."
One of the unknowns two months ago was how much aid the city would receive in the 2025-26 state budget. For years, the city has requested more help from the state. Although the 2024-25 state budget provided a temporary bump in aid, base funding hasn't increased in more than 15 years. Meanwhile, costs for Auburn and other municipalities continue to rise.
The 2025-26 state budget continues the temporary aid program, ensuring Auburn will receive over $578,000 in addition to the nearly $5 million it receives from the state. For the second consecutive year, the budget also provides a $200,000 payment to the city for the operation of the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center.
The most important provision in the state budget for Auburn is the language authorizing the city to charge a hotel tax. Prior to voting on the budget Thursday, the City Council will get a first look at a proposed local law to implement the 5% tax. Final passage of the law is expected later this month.
City officials project the new tax will generate $500,000 in annual revenue.
More information about the city's 2025-26 budget can be found on its website at .
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
