Resolution Adopting a Local Law to Override 2025 Tax Levy Limit Failed
A resolution to adopt a local law that would allow Tompkins County to override the tax levy limit for 2025 failed by a vote of 8-4 (Legislators Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton), Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca), Randy Brown (R-Newfield), and Greg Mezey (D-Dryden) opposed, Legislators Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing) and Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) excused). In order to pass, 9 votes were required. The local law is a procedural action taken by the County to allow flexibility later in the process of developing the 2025 budget, it does not determine County tax bill changes. Municipalities in New York State have a property tax cap imposed by the State, unless overridden by local legislatures. According to the State’s tax cap formula, Tompkins County’s 2025 tax levy increase would be capped at 5.09% or approximately $2.72 million.
The Legislature had previously given direction for a 2025 proposed budget including a 2% tax levy increase.
Before being excused from the meeting, Legislator Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) said he opposed the resolution in hopes of keeping the tax levy and tax rate low. Legislator Greg Mezey (D-Dryden) shared his opinion that the County was in a strong financial position and could weather a financial storm without a significant tax increase.
Among Other Business
By a vote of 12-0 a search was authorized for the next Tompkins County Administrator. The starting salary for the next Tompkins County Administrator was set at $180,000 (which would increase by 5% after 9 months) and a negotiable relocation reimbursement was set at up to $10,000.
Legislator Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) read a proclamation acknowledging Pride Month in Tompkins County. The proclamation celebrated Tompkins County LGBTQIA+ history and progress. Legislator Veronica Pillar (D-Ithaca) shared that the Ithaca Pride Alliance is hosting a series of events this weekend to celebrate Pride.
Legislator Vernoica Pillar (D-Ithaca) read a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth. The proclamation acknowledged the immense struggles, triumph, and resilience of African Americans and celebrated Southside Community Center for their hosting of and participation in local events to commemorate the holiday – Southside Community Center staff and program participants joined to accept the proclamation. Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca, and other local community partners are hosting a public event on June 19.