Tompkins County administrators have proposed a $307.82 million budget for 2027 that would increase the property tax levy by 11.96%, according to The Ithaca Voice.
The recommendation would raise the levy from $56.87 million to $63.67 million and add about $168 to the annual county tax bill for a $290,000 home if approved.
Administrator Korsah Akumfi called the proposal a necessary course correction after years of using reserves to offset recurring expenses.
Officials attributed the additional $6.8 million levy to operating and maintenance costs, rising fringe benefits and replacing recurring revenue previously covered by reserves.
Legislators authorized possible use of $1.6 million from the Tax Stabilization Reserve and will review departmental budgets before a Dec. 10 adoption deadline.
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