Auburn City Council is gearing up for a vote tonight on several property decisions and a sewer agreement that could ripple through neighborhoods and local services. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. at Memorial City Hall and will also cover funding to replace a police vehicle totaled during a recent pursuit.
Two land sales on the table
Council will vote on selling two tax-foreclosed properties, each with a different potential impact.
The first, at 25–39 Miles Avenue, is a vacant residential lot the city’s held since 2007. The proposed buyer is Joseph Nowak Jr., who owns the neighboring property. He’s offered $1,000 and must pay all closing costs and get permits within 30 days. If approved, the sale would bring in $1,000 in revenue. City officials say the lot has no current municipal use.
The second, at 34 Franklin Street, includes a multi-family home and commercial space. The city foreclosed on it in 2023. Buyers Shenell Barr and Darryl Smith plan to renovate the three apartments for rental and open a wellness center in the commercial space. They’ve agreed to pay $19,000 and meet the same closing conditions as the Miles Avenue sale. That would bring in another $19,000.
Sewer rate agreement extended
A routine but important vote will extend the city’s wholesale sewer rate agreement with nearby towns and agencies. Resolution #132 would keep the current rate of $3.04 per 100 cubic feet through the end of 2026. The agreement covers Sennett, Owasco, Fleming, Aurelius, and the Cayuga County Water and Sewer Authority.
City staff say there’s no immediate fiscal impact, and a full rate recalculation is scheduled for fall 2026.
Police vehicle replacement funding
The council is also expected to approve a $51,185 budget transfer to replace a police vehicle destroyed during a chase. The cost breakdown includes:
- $45,413 for the vehicle (with $44,413 covered by insurance)
- $3,900 for labor to install equipment (insurance covers $3,000)
- $500 for removing old equipment
- $447 for a push bumper
- $690 for new graphics
- $235 for a siren speaker and bracket
The city will front the full amount from its contingency fund while awaiting reimbursement. Any shortfall after insurance payouts will come out of the city budget.
What else is on the agenda
The meeting will also include:
- A moment of reflection, public announcements, and resident comment time
- Approval of minutes from the November 13 meeting
- Updates from the city manager and council members
- SEQR items and tabled ordinances (none expected for action tonight)
- Open discussion under “Other Business from the Council”
The meeting will stream live at AuburnNY.gov/Channel-A.
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