Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Anna says rising mandated costs, uncertainty around state and federal funding, and an unresolved $70 million county office building problem are among the biggest challenges facing local government this year. During a recent interview on Inside Government with host Guy Cosentino, Anna outlined the county’s financial outlook, discussed the 2026 budget that included a 12.4% tax levy increase, and addressed ongoing efforts to manage building and economic development issues.
Anna was recently elected to a second one-year term as chair of the Cayuga County Legislature and represents the county’s northern towns. He said continuing in the role allows the legislature to maintain momentum on projects and financial decisions that began during his first year.
Budget increase aimed at stabilizing finances
The Cayuga County Legislature adopted a $198 million budget in December that included a tax levy increase of about 12.4%. Anna said the increase was necessary to stabilize county finances and reduce reliance on fund balance reserves.
The budget process began with an $11.2 million projected deficit. Anna said the county trimmed more than $5 million from departmental requests before finalizing the spending plan.
The adopted budget used about $800,000 in fund balance, though Anna said current projections suggest the county may finish the year without needing to use those reserves. The county’s fund balance currently sits around $14 million, below the county’s policy target of $18 million to $22 million.
To reduce costs, the county eliminated approximately 27 positions. Seven of those jobs were filled positions, while the remaining positions were left vacant through attrition during the year.
Anna said the legislature worked to avoid major program cuts, though some reductions were unavoidable given the county’s financial situation.
Rising mandated costs driving county spending
More than 70% of Cayuga County’s budget is tied to state-mandated programs, Anna said, making it difficult for local officials to control costs.
Among the largest expenses is Medicaid. The county’s local share has grown from about $13 million in 2023 to roughly $14.7 million in 2026.
Anna also pointed to additional pressure from federal and state funding changes tied to programs such as SNAP and childcare assistance. Administrative costs for SNAP were once fully reimbursed by state and federal governments but are increasingly shifting to counties.
He warned that future budget cycles could bring more difficult decisions if those funding trends continue.
County office building remains unresolved
Anna also addressed the ongoing issues with the county office building at 160 Genesee St., which has been partially closed due to contamination concerns.
An evaluation conducted by a Rochester-based construction management firm estimated remediation alone could cost about $9 million. A full renovation project could reach roughly $70 million.
Anna said that cost is not currently affordable for the county and would likely require a significant tax increase if financed through long-term borrowing.
Instead, county officials are continuing to evaluate alternatives while relocating some services to temporary or permanent locations. The Department of Motor Vehicles, currently operating in temporary space at the sheriff’s office, is expected to move this summer to a retail location in the Citizens Bank building.
Anna said the county is also exploring options for other offices currently housed in leased space.
Economic development boards see new appointments
Anna recently made several appointments to the Cayuga County Industrial Development Agency board as part of an effort to bring new perspectives and expand representation.
He said the changes were meant to bring additional diversity of experience to the board and support renewed focus on economic development initiatives.
Anna also discussed the role of the county’s public utility entity, Cayuga County Power Authority, which has existed for decades but has not yet carried out its original mission of purchasing and selling power.
He said he hopes the organization can begin pursuing smaller energy projects, including wholesale electricity opportunities tied to solar developments.
Arts funding and park projects under review
Another topic discussed during the interview involved operations at Emerson Park and the county-owned theater used by the Rev Theatre Company.
Anna said the organization has historically operated without paying rent, with taxpayers covering maintenance costs associated with the facility. County officials are now negotiating a new agreement that could include a ticket surcharge to help offset operating expenses.
At the same time, the county is moving forward with other park improvements, including upgrades to the park entrance and infrastructure projects.
Anna said he expects to return to the program in the coming months to provide updates on economic development initiatives and additional county projects.
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