Cayuga County lawmakers passed a $198 million budget for 2026 that includes a 12.5% property tax levy increase, according to The Citizen. The vote followed public outcry over staffing cuts and a failed attempt to reduce the tax hike to 6.5%.
Despite concerns, a bipartisan majority backed the plan, arguing it was necessary to address long-term financial gaps. Cuts include two planning department positions, drawing warnings that future grant funding could be at risk.
Efforts to soften the blow with more fund balance use were rejected before the final budget passed 8–3.
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