Rome mayor proposes $41.9 million 2026 budget; council sets public hearing and tables final adoption

Mayor Jeffrey Lanigan on Wednesday presented the city of Rome’s proposed 2026 budget, saying the plan balances fiscal restraint with investments tied to recent disaster recovery and anticipated economic growth.

Lanigan told the Rome Common Council the 2026 general city budget calls for $41,900,000 in appropriations, an increase of $2,000,000 from 2025, and that the inside tax district budget totals $14,800,000. He said the administration expects non-property-tax revenues to rise by more than $2,000,000, citing new hotel-occupancy tax proceeds, anticipated agreements with the Rome City School District and other aid. "Tonight, I present the 2026 proposed budget for the city of Rome," he said. "This budget is grounded in fiscal responsibility shaped by the extraordinary challenges of the past year and guided by a vision of growth and renewal."

The mayor outlined extraordinary costs from recent severe weather, saying the city secured $6,000,000 in funding for tornado-related costs and an additional $200,000 for recovery after a June microburst; he also said donors contributed $82,950 in 2025 to community recovery efforts. Lanigan repeatedly framed the proposal as a bridge from near-term disaster-related costs toward longer-term revenue growth tied to new private investment, most notably Chobani’s planned facility. He described Chobani’s project as a "transformational $1,000,000,000 investment in over 1,000 new jobs."

Lanigan said refuse services were re-contracted with Bliss Environmental in December 2024 and that a rate adjustment for refuse will be necessary to maintain service. He said Rome’s sewer and water funds are in strong condition and that "significant additional revenues are expected to begin in 2027 from Chobani." The mayor proposed a 2.59% increase to the city’s combined tax rate for 2026, and said that for a home with the city’s average assessment of $62,046 the increase would amount to about $25.69 outside the inside district and $33.36 inside the inside district, per year. "This increase is not about raising taxes for the sake of it," he said. "It's about protecting services, supporting our employees, and preparing Rome for the opportunities ahead."

After Lanigan’s presentation, the council considered Resolution 132, which authorizes the city clerk to advertise notice of a public hearing on approval of the annual 2026 budget. Councilors moved and seconded Resolution 132 and then approved an amendment inserting the date for the public hearing as the October 2025 common council meeting at 6:45 p.m. The amended resolution passed by voice vote.

An ordinance (No. 9822) to approve the annual budget for 2026 was moved for unanimous consent. Following brief remarks, Councilor Anderson moved to table Ordinance 9822; Councilor Sprace seconded. The motion to table carried by voice vote and Ordinance 9822 was tabled, postponing final council adoption until a later date.

Public comment during the meeting included concerns about the timing and notice of the mayor’s presentation and the proposed tax increase. Michael Brown, a resident who said he is running for the 5th Ward council seat, said he was "concerned that we're not giving the public enough time" to review the proposal. Another resident, who identified himself as Dennis, urged perspective on the proposed increase and said, "If that's an alarming number, we got big problems. It's $33 a year on the average house."

The council also approved a slate of routine resolutions and ordinances by voice vote during the regular meeting that followed the special session (see "Votes at a glance"). City staff and the mayor emphasized the role of reserves, state aid and grant funding in covering recent disaster costs and noted ongoing efforts to control operating costs while negotiating with unions and preparing for anticipated development.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 132 (public hearing notice for 2026 budget) — amended to set the public hearing for October 2025 at 6:45 p.m.; amendment carried; resolution as amended carried (voice votes).

- Ordinance 9822 (approving the annual 2026 budget) — moved for unanimous consent; Councilor Anderson moved to table, seconded by Councilor Sprace; tabled (voice vote).

- Resolution 133 (accepting $20,000 donation from Adirondack Bank) — approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 134 (intermunicipal agreement with Oneida County for CNYRTA transportation services) — approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 135 (agreement with Oneida County for use of Rome City Hall during elections) — approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 136 (accepting New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee grant up to $13,000 for Police Traffic Services Program) — approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 137 (amendment to capital account, HGI City Green Project) — approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 138 (accepting a park bench donation in memory of Peter Cregliano IV) — approved by voice vote.

- Ordinance 9823 (temporary easement for 409 Walnut Street) — approved by voice vote.

- Ordinance 9824 (placement of a dead-end sign at the beginning of White Road) — approved by voice vote.

- Ordinance 9825 (placement of 15-minute parking signs across from 609 Floyd Ave.) — approved by voice vote.

What’s next

Council action on the 2026 budget ordinance has been postponed; the council set a public hearing for its next common council meeting in October. The mayor and city staff said they will continue negotiating with unions and refining projected revenues and expenditures ahead of final council consideration.