Auburn City Council authorized a property tax settlement with Nucor Steel, received updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, and conducted a tour of the city’s wastewater treatment plant at its regularly scheduled meeting last week.
Council approves Nucor Steel tax settlement
By unanimous vote, the council adopted Resolution #98 of 2025, authorizing a settlement of property tax assessment proceedings between Nucor Steel and the City of Auburn. The settlement concerns five parcels on York Street, North Street, and Quarry Road, covering tax years 2022 through 2024.
According to the resolution, Corporation Counsel Nathan J. Garland represented the city, while Kevin McCloud intervened on behalf of Cayuga County and Catherine Gavitt appeared for the Auburn Enlarged City School District. After what Garland described as “extensive settlement negotiations,” the parties agreed to terms that include assessment adjustments and refunds. Garland thanked the mayor and city manager for their direct involvement in the process.
Mayor Jimmy Giannettino said he was grateful for the productive discussions with Nucor executives, citing the company’s longstanding presence in Auburn and its recent 50th anniversary. “We were very close, and I’m glad we did get in these meetings and talk,” he said. “If we did end up in litigation, it would only cost both of us more money and would have created some bad blood.”
The settlement was approved with votes from Councilors Ginny Kent, Terrence Cuddy, and Timothy Lattimore, as well as the mayor.
Summer recreation and public events
City Clerk Chuck Mason provided updates on the Summer Recreation Program, which has completed four weeks and will continue for two more. Due to high turnout, a second water slide day will be held Tuesday, July 29 at Lincoln Park. Additional events include outdoor movie nights: Wicked on July 28 at Lincoln Park and Moana 2 following the July 29 concert by The Dynamics at Hoopes Park.
City manager’s report
City Manager Jenny Haines reported that the Water Treatment Plant’s powder activated carbon system has been tested and is ready for harmful algae bloom (HAB) season. No HAB activity has been detected at the intake, but daily inspections continue.
Haines also addressed a recent high-strength industrial discharge from Grober Nutrition, which required emergency response. Approximately 140,000 gallons were diverted to the city’s overflow retention facility and removed via tanker trucks. Grober has been required to investigate the incident, take corrective action, and submit a detailed report. The company will be invoiced for associated city costs, including staff time and EPA-related fines.
Street work updates included preparations for milling on Clymer Street and Milligan Street starting July 28. Haines also reported favorable financial news: the city secured a 2.925% interest rate for a bond anticipation note, down from 3.5%–4% the previous year.
Councilor reports
Councilor Kent reported attending a judicial recognition ceremony at the former post office building honoring several past Auburn city judges, including Judges Shamrock, Michael McKeon, and James Cuddy. McKeon is compiling a 150-year history of Auburn’s judges.
Mayor Giannettino shared that a group of fourth and fifth grade BOCES students participated in the city’s Passport to History program earlier in the week.
Meeting procedures and minutes
There were no public comments during the “Public to be Heard” session. The council approved the July 10 meeting minutes. Minutes from the July 17 meeting will be forthcoming.
Wastewater treatment plant tour and executive session
Following the business session, council members and the public were scheduled to tour the city’s wastewater treatment plant construction site. Prior to the tour, the council entered a brief executive session to discuss the sale of real property.
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