Council renews health coverage partnership, backs 911 relocation lease, and highlights $757K grant to rehabilitate vacant apartments
Auburn City Council approved multiple resolutions at its Thursday meeting, including the renewal of the city’s participation in a regional health insurance consortium, a lease agreement with Cayuga County for the relocation of the county’s 911 backup center, and recognition of a new state-funded grant to rehabilitate vacant rental units in the city.
City renews health consortium agreement through 2028
The council unanimously passed Agreement Resolution #134 of 2025, authorizing the City of Auburn to enter into a renewed three-year Municipal Cooperation Agreement with the Cayuga County Health Insurance Consortium.
The consortium includes Cayuga County, Cayuga Community College, the City of Oneonta, and the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District. According to City Manager Jenny Haines, Auburn has been a member since 2017 and last renewed its agreement in 2023. The new agreement will run from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2028 .
Haines noted the agreement helps stabilize health insurance costs through shared risk among members. She also confirmed the consortium had initially requested a five-year commitment, but the city opted for three years to allow for continued evaluation of options.
Council approves lease for county 911 backup center
The council also adopted Agreement Resolution #135 of 2025, authorizing the City of Auburn to lease space at the city fire department to Cayuga County for use as the county’s 911 backup center.
The annual lease cost is $5,716.71. The agreement follows the closure of the county office building, which previously housed the backup facility but was vacated due to environmental conditions. Haines said the lease amount matches what the city pays the county for space in county facilities, such as the city court.
City outlines new $757K vacant rental rehab program
During the City Manager’s Report, Haines announced that Auburn received a $757,000 grant from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal agency through its Vacant Rental Program.
The grant will be used to rehabilitate at least nine vacant rental units. Eligible property owners may receive up to $75,000 per unit, depending on tenant income levels and rent restrictions. The program requires landlords to rent to households earning up to either 60% or 80% of the area median income for a 10-year affordability period.
Applications will be processed by a consultant selected through a request-for-proposals process. Haines said property owners will be reimbursed after completing approved work, and eligibility will be determined based on criteria including landlord history, tax and utility status, and unit location in distressed neighborhoods.
Council reflects on holiday parade, police renovations
Mayor James N. Giannettino, Jr. and Council members thanked city staff for organizing the city’s recent holiday parade, particularly City Clerk Chuck Mason and Brian Rhodes. They also noted renovations to the Auburn Police Department are complete, including updates to offices, conference rooms, windows, and exterior elements.
Infrastructure and parking enforcement updates
Haines reported that heating system testing continues at the city’s wastewater treatment plant digester, with full-scale system testing expected in the coming weeks. Consultant selection is underway for the Franklin Street transmission main and reservoir rehabilitation projects.
Additionally, the city plans to restart its boot-and-tow program on Jan. 1, 2026, to address approximately $600,000 in unpaid parking tickets. A list of outstanding tickets will be posted online for residents to review before enforcement begins.
City Council’s next meeting is slated for next week.
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