Auburn City Council approved a local law allowing the city to exceed New York’s property tax cap Thursday night, clearing the way for a final vote next week on a proposed budget that remains the subject of intense public scrutiny and debate.
The tax cap override was the most significant action taken during the June 4 meeting, which featured another lengthy public comment period focused largely on the city’s financial condition, property taxes, spending priorities, and government transparency. The measure passed 4-1, with Councilor Craig Diego casting the lone dissenting vote. Approval was required before the council can adopt a budget that exceeds the state’s allowable tax levy increase. The final budget vote is scheduled for June 11.
Residents sound off on taxes, spending and transparency
Much of the evening’s discussion centered on Auburn’s finances.
Several speakers questioned rising property taxes, the city’s handling of delinquent tax collections, and long-term spending trends. James Udall said city records show hundreds of properties are currently delinquent on taxes and argued that increasing the tax levy could worsen those challenges. Others urged the council to reduce spending and address what they described as structural budget issues before seeking additional revenue from taxpayers.
Water quality concerns also resurfaced during public comment, with resident Andrew Bishop renewing calls for additional testing and transparency related to Owasco Lake. Several residents continued broader discussions that have dominated recent meetings, including government accountability and public trust.
Not all comments focused on criticism. Timothy Donovan praised Auburn firefighters for their response to a recent house fire, recounting how firefighters successfully rescued family pets while battling the blaze.
Council advances summer programs and appointments
Council approved an intermunicipal agreement with Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES to continue the Auburn Conservation Corps summer camp, a four-day environmental education program for middle school students funded through a federal urban forestry grant. The program will focus on topics including water quality, climate change, and tree planting.
The council also approved budget transfers, appointments to city boards and commissions, a representative to the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council and Watershed Inspection Committee, and accepted grant funding from the U.S. Tennis Association. The grant will support local tennis programming and recreational opportunities.
D-Day remembrance highlights opening of meeting
The meeting began with a proclamation recognizing June 6 as D-Day National Remembrance Day and 299th Combat Engineer Battalion Day. Mayor James Giannettino highlighted the sacrifices made by local soldiers who served in the battalion during the Normandy invasion and reflected on his own family’s connection to the unit.
The council also used the meeting to promote upcoming summer recreation programming, Auburn Doubledays baseball, movie nights in city parks, and other seasonal activities.
Thursday’s meeting ended with council members entering executive session to discuss multiple matters related to the potential sale or lease of real property. The final decision on Auburn’s 2026-27 budget is expected at the council’s June 11 meeting.
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