Ithaca’s Common Council approved a $111.4 million city budget for 2026 — but left out funding for the long-discussed unarmed responder program, according to The Ithaca Voice. The budget passed 9-1 after a last-minute scramble to close a $2.1 million revenue shortfall caused by a software error.
Despite no money allocated for unarmed responders, Mayor Robert Cantelmo says funds remain available to launch the program later in 2026. Council also shifted funds to support Second Wind’s violence interrupter initiative and REACH Medical’s Community Outreach Worker Program.
Alderperson Kayla Matos, citing unmet community priorities, cast the lone “no” vote.
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