Cayuga County officials warn tax-cap figure may be under 3%; public hearing set on override resolution

County staff told the Ways and Means Committee the county’s tax‑cap calculation is not final and relies on several data sources that will arrive later in the year, including a growth factor from the state comptroller and real property data typically available in October or November. Staff said early indications suggest the tax‑cap figure may be less than 3 percent and that the county has essentially no “rollover” from the prior year because it used available room in the previous budget.

The committee discussed a proposed local resolution that would set a public hearing and, if the legislature chooses, secure the ability to exceed the tax cap (an override) later in the year. Staff emphasized that voting to adopt an override resolution does not obligate the legislature to exceed the cap; it merely preserves the option to do so without restarting the public‑hearing process.

Committee members expressed concern that a tax cap below 3 percent and no rollover would constrain budget choices and force either program cuts or greater use of the fund balance. Staff said if the override resolution were defeated and members wished to revisit the issue later, the committee would have to schedule another public hearing. Some members suggested tabling action until more data arrive; staff said waiting until September would not require a new public hearing. The committee confirmed a public hearing date set earlier in the cycle will proceed as scheduled.

There was no final decision to adopt an override; staff said they would return with updated numbers as state and real property data become available.