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Legislature hears budget shortfall update and tables local law to override tax levy limit
Summary
County finance staff reported a $5.6 million planned fund draw for FY2025 and an unaudited fund balance of about $141.98 million; the legislature tabled a local law to override the property tax levy limit, postponing a decision until the budget process proceeds.
County finance staff reported to the Cayuga County Legislature on June 24 that the county’s fiscal year 2025 budget as approved by the legislature requires a $5,600,000 draw from the fund balance and that the current unaudited fund balance stood at $141,982,000.
Legislators and staff described ongoing budget pressures including rising health insurance premiums, inflationary cost increases, expenses tied to the county office building project and other structural pressures. The finance update listed a range of cost-control measures already in place: a hiring restriction from June 1 to Aug. 31, a personnel committee review of fills and promotions, a hold on nonemergency vehicle purchases pending a fleet evaluation, renegotiation of cleaning contracts, competitive energy procurement and an energy audit.
A proposed local law to override the tax levy limit (the mechanism in state general municipal law that permits local governments to set a tax levy beyond the state cap) was the subject of a public hearing and floor discussion. Legislators debated timing and public engagement; one motion to table the local law carried, postponing a formal decision until later in the budget process. Supporters of tabling said more detailed budget scenarios and department-level budget snapshots were needed; opponents said tabling could limit public opportunities for comment.
Finance staff and several legislators said the county must show steps to reduce reliance on fund balance to preserve bond ratings and fiscal flexibility. Members asked for follow-up: oversight committees will meet with department heads in July to review mid-year budget positions and prepare scenarios that include spending reductions and, if necessary, revenue options.
The finance report also said the county is considering amendments to the occupancy tax local law to include short-term rentals and to change distribution formulas to offset tourist-related costs in future fiscal years.
