Tompkins County plans a $239.8 million budget for 2026, up $8.1 million from last year, with a 1.4% property tax rate hike to cover inflation, rising payroll, and uncertain federal funding, according to The Tompkins Weekly.
The median homeowner would pay $20 more next year. Big spending debates included $853K for the airport (down from a proposed $2M), a $500K boost for TCAT, and $410K more for Tompkins Cortland Community College. Lawmakers also reserved $50K for food insecurity and approved $600K for stepped-up building security.
A final vote follows a public hearing set for Oct. 28.
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