Auburn City Council advanced a series of budgetary and infrastructure measures during its May 1 meeting, while also recognizing local achievements through proclamations.
Following public announcements, the Council issued proclamations for National Travel and Tourism Week and Harold J. Short’s William Seward Day.
During the public-to-be-heard portion, residents raised concerns about financial sustainability, tax foreclosure property sales, and upcoming community events. Dorothy Wengel urged the Council to consider long-term financial sustainability planning, while Pamela Kostuk questioned the fairness of the city’s procedures for selling tax-foreclosed properties.
City Manager Jeff Dygert provided updates on city operations, including ongoing street paving, striping projects, and the city’s landfill bid process, with proposals due May 13. He also noted that the city has begun evaluating its wholesale water rates with consultant GHD.
In budget discussions, councilors provided input to staff ahead of finalizing the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. Mayor Jimmy Giannettino emphasized the need to closely review energy, overtime, and administrative costs, while Councilor Terry Cuddy proposed analyzing refuse collection fees and the impact of outside haulers.
Comptroller Mary Beth Leeson detailed changes in the calculation of return-on-investment fees from the water and landfill funds to the general fund, which were increased from 10% to 15%. She stressed the importance of ensuring city taxpayers only bear costs for services they use.
The Council conducted a first reading of Local Law #1 of 2025, which would authorize the city to exceed the New York State property tax cap. A public hearing for the local law was scheduled through the adoption of Council Resolution #47 of 2025.
Additional resolutions approved include:
- Council Resolution #48 of 2025: Authorizing the sale of surplus vehicles, equipment, and miscellaneous items under the city’s 2025 Procurement and Surplus Policy.
- Council Resolution #49 of 2025: Authorizing reassessment of city properties.
- Grant Resolution #50 of 2025: Accepting a Central New York Community Foundation grant for improvements at Falcon Park.
- Council Resolution #51 of 2025: Adopting a new fund balance policy.
- Agreement Resolution #52 of 2025: Authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with Canine Cove, LLC.
- Land Sale Resolutions #53, #54, and #55 of 2025: Authorizing the sale of properties at 17 Hoffman Street, 242 Seymour Street, and 49 Holley Street, respectively.
- Agreement Resolution #56 of 2025: Authorizing a master agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation for the Brookside Drive culvert replacement.
- Council Resolution #57 of 2025: Setting a public hearing regarding the renewal of a Verizon cable television franchise agreement.
The Council also recognized members of local Boy Scout troops attending the meeting in honor of Harold J. Short’s William Seward Day.
The meeting concluded with councilors highlighting recent events, including leadership project presentations and the upcoming Decoration Day observance honoring African American contributions to Memorial Day.
The next City Council meeting will take place next Thursday.
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].