Cayuga County lawmakers have taken what officials describe as the first major step toward a permanent solution for county government operations, approving an agreement tied to the Garden Street facility as the county continues dealing with the fallout from the closure of its former office building in downtown Auburn.
County leaders say the move follows more than two years of evaluating options after the closure of the County Office Building at 160 Genesee St. Officials determined that returning government operations to the building would require roughly $9 million in remediation costs and an additional $50 million to $60 million in renovations, prompting lawmakers to explore alternatives.
Chairman Jonathan Anna said lawmakers focused on finding the most practical and cost-effective long-term solution for taxpayers. He said the Garden Street facility offers the combination of affordability, available space, functionality, and long-term value needed to serve county government while avoiding the significant costs associated with restoring the former office building.
Officials said the facility would allow county departments to be consolidated, improve public access to services, provide greater stability for employees, and establish a permanent home for county operations. Majority Leader Amy Sargent called the agreement the most practical and responsible option available, while Minority Leader Mark Strong said he believes it is the best choice for county taxpayers.
County leaders also pointed to potential redevelopment opportunities at the current County Office Building site. Anna said the agreement could allow the county to work with economic development partners and private investors to pursue future projects that strengthen downtown Auburn and eventually return the property to the tax rolls rather than committing tens of millions of dollars to rehabilitation efforts.
Officials emphasized that approval of the agreement does not finalize the project. Environmental reviews, engineering and structural evaluations, financing plans, space allocation decisions, and transition planning will continue in the months ahead before any final occupancy decisions are made. Anna described the vote as an important milestone, but only the beginning of a multi-step process.
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