The Cayuga County Legislature met Tuesday at the Locke Fire Department, where lawmakers heard hours of public comment over a proposed change to the county’s hotel occupancy tax, advanced multiple budget and staffing measures, and approved acceptance of new state cannabis tax revenues.
Public hearings draw strong tourism defense
Two public hearings opened the session: one on forming a new county sewer district and another on a local law amending Cayuga County’s occupancy tax on hotels and short-term rentals.
The sewer district drew little comment, but more than a dozen speakers opposed shifting a greater share of occupancy tax revenues away from tourism promotion. Leaders of Tour Cayuga, small business owners, arts organizations, and chamber representatives argued that the existing structure delivers a ten-to-one return on investment, citing nearly $10 million in local sales tax generated in 2023 from an approximately $1 million tourism budget.
They warned that reallocating 20 percent of the funding would cut marketing programs, end grant initiatives, and risk higher taxes on residents if visitor revenue declines. Several speakers urged legislators to preserve the funding formula established in 1994.
Compliance presentation
County compliance officer Shereen Androsko delivered the annual corporate compliance training, reviewing procedures that apply to the Public Health and Mental Health departments. The session covered fraud detection, abuse prevention, and non-retaliation protections under the county’s compliance plan.
Major resolutions adopted
Legislators acted on dozens of resolutions across committees:
- Cannabis revenue: Authorized the finance director to accept adult-use cannabis sales tax distributions and distribute 75 percent of proceeds to municipalities hosting dispensaries. The 2025 budget was amended to account for $175,000 in expected revenue.
- Foreclosed properties: Approved repurchase of three tax-foreclosed parcels in Genoa, Locke, and Sennett.
- Hiring restrictions: Extended countywide hiring restrictions through October 31, 2025, with exemptions for critical positions including caseworkers, social workers, deputies, highway operators, and 100 percent state- or federally funded roles.
- Appointments: Reappointed Jennifer Indelicato to a six-year term as director of Real Property Services, beginning October 1. Lawmakers also confirmed appointments to the Community Services Board and the Cayuga County Public Utility Service Agency.
- Health and human services: Accepted $300,000 in federal Flexible Fund for Family Services support; approved contracts with Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca for HEAP outreach and rapid rehousing services; and authorized new social worker, investigator, and billing positions in social services and mental health. Funding adjustments also added state aid for contract agencies and supported a mobile crisis program.
- Technology and contracts: Renewed a contract with Northwoods for case management software used by social workers.
- Public works: Authorized cleaning service contracts and considered several highway department equipment operator hires.
- Public safety: Approved contracts for new 911 security cameras, HVAC maintenance, and Motorola public safety software; created three emergency services positions; and authorized filling multiple sheriff’s deputy roles. A Stop DWI program promotion agreement with FLX Local Media was also approved.
- Legislature: Passed resolutions to adopt updated local laws, authorize the formation of Sewer District No. 3, and move forward with relocating the county’s backup 911 center to Auburn Fire Department.
Next meeting
The legislature will reconvene on September 23 at 4 p.m. in Auburn.
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