The Ulysses Town Board is preparing for a difficult 2027 budget as fire, emergency medical and employee benefit costs rise, according to Tompkins Weekly.
The board passed a local law Sept. 8 allowing it to exceed the state property tax cap ahead of a Sept. 21 budget presentation.
Staying under the cap would allow expenses to rise by about $65,000, while fire and EMS costs alone are projected to increase by more than $104,000.
Health insurance costs are expected to rise 20%, and other insurance and benefit services are projected to increase by at least 10%.
Town officials said ending a recreation partnership with the Ithaca Youth Bureau would save only about $7,000 and residents have not asked them to cut services.
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