Public weighs in on tax cap override and budget proposal
During a packed meeting Thursday night, the Auburn City Council held two formal public hearings on its proposed 2025-26 budget and a related local law to override the state-imposed property tax cap.
Residents raised concerns over increasing costs for garbage collection, bulk item disposal, and the city’s ambulance service. Several speakers expressed support for the city’s long-term financial plan, while others pushed back against further tax hikes, citing affordability concerns.
One resident, Dorothy Lengel, commended the city’s direction but said she supports a tax increase to preserve essential services without drawing from the fund balance. “It’s the fiduciary responsibility to do so,” she said.
Another speaker, Anna Madinali, a landlord, presented a petition signed by more than 70 people opposing higher garbage fees. She advocated for scheduled bulk pickups, citing common issues like abandoned mattresses after tenant evictions. “We believe that Auburn could benefit from a program similar to Syracuse’s,” she said.
Ambulance fees and lift charges draw scrutiny
The city’s ambulance billing practices sparked concern as multiple residents questioned whether they were being double-charged—once via taxes and again via insurance billing or direct costs if insurance does not pay.
Resident Pamela Cusick said she feared a scenario where she would be left paying a $1,600 ambulance bill. “I can’t afford to take on that additional charge,” she said.
Others criticized a $250 lift-assist fee, especially when applied to subsidized senior housing facilities like Schwartz Towers. “Us older folks still want our dignity,” said Barbara Foster, who recounted a recent fall at her building.
City officials clarified that the lift-assist fee was intended for assisted living and senior care facilities—not private residences—and is meant to shift costs to private operators rather than the general taxpayer. “We are subsidizing private operations,” City Manager Jeff Dygert explained. “That’s what we are trying to avoid.”
Council reviews budget, hears appeal for spending cuts
Though the proposed budget was not adopted at the meeting, residents spoke both for and against aspects of the plan. One commenter praised city leaders for reducing the budget gap from $8.6 million to around $2 million, but called for restraint moving forward. “We’ve raised taxes 19.3% over the last 12 years,” Craig Diego said. “That’s enough.”
Schine Theater transfer advances
Assistant City Manager Jenny Haynes provided a comprehensive update on the long-delayed Schine Theater project. After multiple failed redevelopment attempts, the city has initiated a legal proceeding to reclaim ownership through Article 19-B, a mechanism for taking over abandoned commercial property.
Originally transferred to the Cayuga County Arts Council in 1998 and then to Bowers Development in 2018, the Schine has seen limited improvements—mainly environmental remediation supported by an $800,000 federal block grant. Planned $6 million renovations were stalled by financing setbacks and the pandemic.
Haynes noted that $2.2 million in state grant funds remain unused and under state control, contrary to public belief that the prior developer absconded with the funds. “There’s a common misconception throughout this community,” Mayor Jimmy Giannettino said. “Those funding sources are still in existence with the state of New York.”
The city plans to explore options for transferring the building to a new developer once ownership is formally secured.
What happens next?
The City Council did not vote on the budget or tax cap override Thursday. Both remain under consideration as councilors evaluate public input. Additional action is expected at future meetings.
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