Confronting a $2.8 million budget shortfall, the Auburn City Council focused heavily on fiscal strategies during its May 1, 2025, meeting, discussing possible spending cuts, utility savings, and a proposed override of the state property tax cap.
The Council conducted a first reading of Local Law #1 of 2025, which would authorize the city to exceed New York State’s 2% property tax cap. Following a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Council scheduled a public hearing on the matter for its May 22 meeting.
Mayor Jimmy Giannettino stressed that raising taxes alone would not solve the city’s fiscal challenges. “The situation that we’re in, while similar across the state, we cannot tax our way out of this situation,” Giannettino said.
City Manager Jeff Dygert and Comptroller Mary Beth Leeson outlined steps already underway to close the gap, including adjusting internal financial practices. Leeson reported that the return on investment (ROI) rate from the city’s Water and Landfill Funds to the General Fund has been increased from 10% to 15% to better reflect the financial risk borne by city taxpayers.
The Council also reviewed proposals to control rising operational costs:
- Utility and Fuel Budgets: Giannettino directed staff to develop a plan to reduce utility and fuel budgets by 10%, suggesting that the lights at the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center could be turned off at night to conserve energy.
- Overtime Oversight: The mayor proposed that 70% of department overtime budgets remain under departmental control, with the remaining 30% held centrally under the city manager’s office for closer scrutiny.
- Retiree Health Insurance: Officials discussed reviewing health insurance offerings for retirees, particularly those eligible for Medicare, to identify potential savings.
During the meeting, council members emphasized the need for a detailed line-item review of budgeted expenditures. Mayor Giannettino called for each expense to be closely justified, noting that the city is facing not only potential tax increases but also possible staffing cuts.
Councilor Terry Cuddy supported the development of a long-term sustainable financial plan, aligning with suggestions made by residents during the public comment portion of the meeting.
The Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed tax cap override and budget at its May 22, 2025, meeting. Final adoption of the city’s budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is expected by June 12, 2025, according to official plans.
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].