In a meeting marked by action on key partnerships, labor agreements, and funding requests, the Auburn City Council on Thursday approved a range of resolutions that touched on everything from parking and emergency services to infrastructure and housing. The session also featured public commentary on affordability concerns and an update on the city’s credit rating and revitalization efforts.
Council approves YMCA parking lease, grant application, labor contract, and data center move
Council unanimously approved Resolution #94 of 2025, authorizing a six-month lease agreement with the Auburn YMCA-WEIU for 20 underutilized parking spaces in the city-owned Court Street lot. The YMCA will pay the city $4,500 for the lease, which begins August 1 and runs through January 31, 2026. The agreement allows for one six-month renewal without additional council action. Traffic Officer Greg Galufis reviewed the parking availability with YMCA staff prior to the agreement. Councilor Ginny Kent sponsored the resolution, seconded by Councilor Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson.
Council also adopted Grant Resolution #95 of 2025, authorizing a $330,388 grant application to the New York Main Street program. The funds would support exterior building repairs at the Auburn YMCA-WEIU facility at 27 William Street, including roof and masonry repairs and the installation of an ADA-compliant ramp. The total project cost is $435,273, with the YMCA committing $104,885 in required matching funds. The resolution was sponsored by Councilor Overstreet-Wilson and seconded by Councilor Christina Calarco.
Resolution #96 of 2025, approving a collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Emergency Medical Technicians of Auburn City Ambulance (PEMTACA), was also passed. The contract includes 3% annual wage increases for 2024 and 2025 and is retroactive to July 1, 2024. All other terms from the previous agreement remain unchanged. Councilor Overstreet-Wilson sponsored the resolution, with a second from Councilor Calarco. City Manager Jenny Haynes noted that wage increases were already budgeted, and a new agreement will be negotiated beginning in early 2026.
In addition, Council approved Resolution #97 of 2025, authorizing the relocation of the Cayuga County primary data center to a city facility. The county will lease the space from the city for $2,480 annually due to ongoing safety issues at the existing county office building. Councilor Kent sponsored the resolution, seconded by Councilor Overstreet-Wilson.
Public comment raises concerns over affordability and taxes
During the public comment period, resident Jerry Morgan of 61 Belmont Avenue expressed concerns about the rising cost of living in Auburn, including property taxes, utility fees, and declining infrastructure. Morgan criticized the council’s fiscal priorities, stating, “You pass legislation year after year, raising our taxes without considering the ramifications of your actions,” and added that younger generations are leaving the area due to affordability challenges.
City manager reports on credit rating, infrastructure, and property listing
City Manager Jenny Haynes reported that Moody’s has maintained Auburn’s A2 credit rating, which she credited to the work of Finance Director Mary Beth Lease and Assistant Comptroller Christina Selvik. Councilor Kent emphasized the rating’s significance for investment and praised the city’s financial transparency and risk management.
Haynes also updated council on the Finger Lakes Railway crossing project. Westbound lanes have been excavated and paved, with a mid-week switch to eastbound lanes expected next. Additionally, the city is listing the vacant Schines Theater property for sale through its contracted realtor.
Housing presentation highlights challenges and future grant opportunities
The meeting concluded with a presentation on housing grant opportunities by Program Manager Renee Jensen and Senior Planner Tiffany Beebee. Jensen noted that Auburn faces significant challenges with affordability, aging housing stock, and neighborhood blight. She cited data from the city’s recent consolidated plan and emphasized the need for a comprehensive housing market study.
The planning department is exploring new grant opportunities to address these issues and sought feedback from council members on which programs to prioritize. Beebee added that 174 properties are currently listed on the city’s vacant building registry and approximately 90 are facing tax foreclosure. Revitalization efforts are particularly focused on the West Street, Arbor, Venice, and Derby neighborhoods.
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