The budget dominated Thursday’s Auburn City Council meeting, but it was far from the only issue on the table. Council also addressed cannabis regulations, ongoing concerns about surveillance technology and routine city operations.
Cannabis rules approved, enforcement questioned
Council approved an update to city zoning rules setting cannabis business operating hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The debate centered on enforcement after officials acknowledged some businesses had already been operating outside existing rules.
Councilor Craig Diego said the issue was less about the hours themselves and more about accountability, emphasizing that city code must be enforced consistently. Officials said violations could result in local penalties and possible action from the state that could jeopardize a business’s license.
Flock surveillance concerns continue
Public comment again focused heavily on the city’s contract with Flock Safety. Residents raised concerns about data privacy, oversight and how information collected by the system could be used or shared.
Speakers argued that the issue goes beyond license plate readers, pointing to broader concerns about private companies managing sensitive data. The criticism reflects a growing and ongoing debate in the community that has surfaced repeatedly in recent meetings.
Water quality and housing issues raised
Residents also used public comment to raise other long-standing concerns. One speaker criticized the city’s handling of water quality issues tied to Owasco Lake, while another highlighted the city’s low owner-occupancy rate as a long-term financial challenge.
That speaker argued that a higher share of rental properties contributes to lower property values, increased service demands and a weaker tax base — a structural issue that impacts the city’s finances over time.
Routine updates: Road work and projects moving forward
City Manager Jenny Haines provided updates on several ongoing projects, including the 2026 road improvement program and upcoming sidewalk and curb work funded through community development grants. She also noted the resumption of the Burgess Street culvert project.
Those updates served as a reminder that, despite financial challenges, the city continues to move forward with infrastructure work and capital projects.
Community reminders and everyday business
The meeting also included a reminder about the city’s spring cleanup day at the transfer station, scheduled for April 18. Residents can bring materials for disposal, with some restrictions in place.
While smaller in scope, those updates highlight the everyday functions of city government that continue alongside larger policy debates.
Taken together, Thursday’s meeting showed a city juggling immediate financial concerns with ongoing operational responsibilities — a balancing act that is likely to continue in the weeks ahead.
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