The Auburn City Council will meet Thursday evening to address a range of items, including a property tax settlement involving McDonald’s Real Estate Co., the establishment of a retirement incentive program, and multiple department budget presentations for fiscal year 2025-2026.
The April 24 meeting will begin at 5 p.m. and is scheduled to include ceremonial proclamations in honor of National Parks Week and Arbor Day, recognizing local contributions to conservation and environmental awareness.
Ceremonial Presentations
Mayor Jimmy Giannettino, Jr. will issue two proclamations during the meeting. One will recognize National Parks Week, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park. The proclamation notes that Auburn residents are encouraged to visit local parks and reflect on Tubman’s legacy, including her use of spirituals as signals on the Underground Railroad.
The second proclamation will designate April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day in Auburn. It acknowledges the city’s long-standing Tree City USA designation and the efforts of the Grow Auburn’s Trees program in promoting environmental stewardship through local tree-planting initiatives.
Tax Assessment Settlement
Council Resolution #45 of 2025 seeks approval for a settlement in a real property tax assessment case filed by McDonald’s Real Estate Co. The company challenged assessments on properties located at 198 Grant Avenue and 357 Genesee Street. The proposed agreement includes a $200,000 reduction in the assessed value of the Grant Avenue property and a valuation freeze for both properties through 2027. No refunds will be issued as part of the settlement, which has already been approved by the Cayuga County Legislature and the Auburn Enlarged City School District Board.
Retirement Incentive Proposal
Council will also consider Council Resolution #46 of 2025, which proposes the establishment of a retirement incentive. Details of the resolution were not included in the meeting packet and are expected to be presented at the session.
Budget Presentations
Several department heads will present their fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposals. Scheduled presentations include:
- Civil Service: Commissioner Jack Hardy will detail a 7.2% decrease in the department’s budget, which includes continued community engagement and administration of 20 civil service exams in 2024.
- City Clerk: City Clerk Chuck Mason will present the office’s proposed budget.
- Corporation Counsel: Corporation Counsel Nate Garland will outline services provided, including litigation, labor relations, and legal advisement, with a proposed total budget of $361,641.
- City Manager: Jeff Dygert and Assistant City Manager Jenny Haines will present their office’s proposed financial plan.
- Finance Department: Comptroller Mary Beth Leeson will deliver a detailed overview covering the Comptroller, Treasurer, Assessor, IT, and HR functions, with an emphasis on process improvements, compliance initiatives, and departmental goals.
Other Agenda Items
Council is expected to approve the minutes from its April 17, 2025 meeting and hear updates from the city manager and council members. The agenda also includes time for public comment and a review of tabled items.
City Council meetings are open to the public and streamed live on the city’s website at auburnny.gov/Channel-A.
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 [email protected].