The Auburn City Council will hold their June meeting tonight at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall with a packed agenda littered with key initiatives impacting tourism, infrastructure, and summer youth programs.
Council to decide on implementing a new 5% occupancy tax
A major item on the agenda is a vote on Local Law No. 2 of 2025, which would enact a 5% occupancy tax on short-term lodging in the city. This applies to hotels, motels, and vacation rentals, including Airbnb-type properties.
The proposed law follows successful home rule legislation supported by State Senator Rachel May and included in the 2025–2026 New York State Budget. If passed, the tax would take effect July 1, 2025, and last for three years.
- Revenue Use: Funds would go to support tourism, parks, beautification, and public safety.
- Exemptions: The tax exempts permanent residents, government agencies, and certain nonprofit entities.
A public hearing on the law will precede the council vote during tonight’s meeting.
Swearing-in ceremony for new police sergeants
The meeting will open with a ceremonial swearing-in of Auburn Police Department Sergeants, including Matthew Androsko, as part of recognizing departmental promotions.
Grant approvals for summer programs
The Council will vote on two resolutions to accept external grant and sponsorship funding for the city’s 2025 summer programs:
2025 Summer Recreation Program
- Grant Resolution #85 of 2025 would authorize the acceptance of $49,000 in contributions.
- Program partners: NUCOR Steel, Wegmans, United Way of Cayuga County, and over 30 other sponsors.
- Activities: Hosted in city parks through July and August, the program offers free or low-cost recreational options for children.
Summer Concerts, Movies, and Events
- Grant Resolution #86 of 2025 supports summer entertainment events with $8,200 in grants and sponsorships.
- Supporters: Royal Promise Productions, Cayuga County Health Department, Wegmans, and more.
- These events are open to the public and held across Auburn’s parks.
Infrastructure project: Burgess Street culvert
Another key vote involves Award Resolution #87 of 2025, which would approve a contract for the Burgess Street Culvert Replacement. This infrastructure project aims to address stormwater drainage and mitigate flooding in the area.
Police department hiring grant
The Council will also consider Grant Resolution #88 of 2025, authorizing an application for a U.S. DOJ COPS grant, which would help fund new police hires in Auburn.
Other business
Additional items on the agenda include:
- Acceptance of grant funding from the Auburn Beautification Commission for new tree plantings (Resolution #89 of 2023).
- Updates from Cayuga Community College President Brian Durant.
- A preview of the 2025 Summer Recreation Program by directors Brian Rhodes and Meg Gremli.
What happens next
Votes on these measures, particularly the occupancy tax, could shape Auburn’s fiscal trajectory and tourism planning for years to come. Residents can watch the meeting live at AuburnNY.gov/Channel-A.
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