At an Oct. 30 public hearing, Tompkins County residents voiced concerns over a proposed 5% budget cut for the Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL), which could eliminate up to seven staff positions and reduce services.
Library employees emphasized that the cuts would impact community resources, including literacy programs for children, safe spaces for youth, and services for immigrants and seniors.
In addition to library funding, resident Matthew Phillips urged the county to use its surplus funds to reduce property tax reliance, citing concerns over rising taxes and insufficient wage increases for county employees.
The county’s proposed 2025 budget will next be reviewed by the Budget, Capital, and Personnel Committee on Nov. 14, with a final vote expected on Nov. 19.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.