Auburn will move forward with a $13.03 million overhaul of its aging water system after the City Council approved borrowing for reservoir, pipeline and pump station improvements Thursday night.
The council also authorized the city to seek a $5 million state grant for the project, which officials said is needed to address a leaking transmission main, deteriorating reservoir components and vulnerabilities that can interrupt water service during power outages.
Council members unanimously approved the bond ordinance following an environmental review that determined the work would not have a significant adverse impact. The project includes rehabilitation of the Franklin Street Reservoir, replacement of part of the transmission main, construction of a water storage tank and upgrades to the lower pump station.
The city plans to finance the portion not covered by grants through the state Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Officials said they hope Auburn will qualify for hardship assistance or zero-interest financing because it is considered a disadvantaged community under state criteria.
Mayor Jimmy Giannettino said the price is significant but argued the cost of delaying the work would be greater. The transmission main serving the reservoir is about a century old and has developed leaks.
The project is also expected to improve the system’s response to power failures. Municipal Utilities Director Seth Jensen said staff currently must travel to the lower pump station, start a backup generator and manually transfer power when an outage occurs.
The planned improvements would address the lack of a seamless transition to backup power, Jensen said.
The proposed storage tank could hold between 500,000 and 1 million gallons, depending on the final design. The city’s grant application will seek the maximum award available under the state program.
Under the bond ordinance, the city could borrow up to $13.03 million over a period of as long as 40 years.
Council approves additional grants and road work
The council also authorized an application for up to $75,000 through the state’s Stop Violence Against Women grant program.
The Auburn Police Department would partner with Cayuga Counseling Services on the proposal, which could support equipment, overtime and efforts to expand an in-house victim specialist position. Police Chief James Slayton said the initiative would address domestic violence, intimate partner violence and sexual assault throughout Cayuga County.
Council members also accepted a state parks grant for the demolition and reconstruction of tennis and pickleball courts at Casey Park. The required local contribution will be covered through in-kind labor from Department of Public Works employees rather than a direct cash payment.
A separate resolution added $400,000 to Auburn’s 2026 road improvement contract with Northern Asphalt LLC. The revised contract totals nearly $1.99 million.
The additional funding will cover drainage work and pavement repairs on Lake Avenue, higher asphalt costs and possible paving on Franklin and Nelson streets. Officials said the work is eligible for reimbursement through state highway funding.
Jensen said the city intends to complete the original road program this construction season, while some alternate streets may carry into next spring. Lake Avenue is the immediate priority, with the city hoping to finish the work before schools reopen.
Residents question tax exemptions and city finances
Public comments focused heavily on property taxes, affordability and city spending.
James Udall again urged the council to increase income limits for Auburn’s senior and disabled homeowners property tax exemption. He said the limits have not been updated since 2020 and estimated that roughly 850 households could qualify if the city adopted the maximum levels permitted by the state.
Udall, who said he already receives the exemption, told council members it saves him nearly $600 on his city tax bill and could produce close to $1,000 in combined city and county savings.
Michael Colgrove asked the city to clarify the implementation of a state property tax exemption for veterans who are permanently and totally disabled because of their military service. He said veterans have received conflicting information about whether municipalities must opt into the program and noted that qualifying homeowners face an Oct. 1 application deadline.
Giannettino later asked city staff to obtain Colgrove’s contact information so the city manager could follow up.
Andrew Bishop continued his calls for stable isotope analysis of pollutants entering Owasco Lake, arguing that the testing could more conclusively identify pollution sources.
Lon Fricano urged the city to consider structural cost-cutting measures and criticized the financial performance of the city-run ambulance service. He said officials must consider unconventional approaches as residents seek more tax relief and operating costs continue rising.
Pamela Kosick questioned the council’s approval of contractual raises after employee layoffs tied to the city budget. She called on council members to more frequently oppose spending proposals and scrutinize whether decisions serve residents’ interests.
City officials said they expect to have a more complete report on the previous fiscal year’s spending by mid-September, after remaining bills and accrued expenses are accounted for. The council approved budget transfers to cover existing overages, but the city manager said those transfers would not draw from the fund balance.
The council also supported a traffic garden at Casey Park, where an underused paved area will be converted into a scaled roadway layout to teach children bicycle and pedestrian safety. Cayuga County will use state grant funding for the materials, while the city will provide limited paving and striping assistance.
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