Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Tompkins County releases proposed 2026 budget calling for 4.5% levy increase to address shelter and mandates
Summary
County administration presented a recommended 2026 operating budget of $240 million with a proposed 4.5% property tax levy increase above the tax cap to fund emergency shelter needs, mandated program costs, capital projects and a three‑year airport stabilization plan.
Tompkins County Administrator Corso and Deputy County Administrator Norma presented a recommended 2026 operating budget on Sept. 2 that would increase the county property tax levy by 4.5% above the state tax cap.
Norma, presenting the plan on behalf of county administration, said county administration "is recommending a 4.5% tax levy increase above our tax cap." She told lawmakers the total operating budget is $240,000,000 and that the property tax levy in the recommendation is $57,000,000. Norma said the increase would translate to about $37 per year for the county's median homeowner (median home value cited at $300,000).
The nut graf: County leaders said the proposed increase responds to rising demand for emergency shelter, state mandates and rising labor and fringe costs, while also funding strategic capital investments the administration said it could not defer.
In discussion, finance director Daryl Tuttle…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
