Sydney August, a resident of 292 Old Oak Drive, told the Cortland City Council her home and adjacent properties have repeatedly flooded and that the problem has persisted for decades.

"I have panic attacks when it rains," August said, describing recent flooding she called a "living nightmare" and saying she has videos residents "that will make you cry." She asked what the city had done since a May meeting and whether the Army Corps of Engineers had been contacted.

City staff responded that crews have completed smoke testing and plan dye testing to trace inflow points. Council and staff said they had contacted GPD to request a quote for a new study; a city official noted a study done about 20 years ago may contain useful information but a new flood-mitigation plan is likely required to identify the scope of needed work and costs.

Residents pressed whether the study would be competitively bid; staff said the project will be put out to bid. Council members also said the problem likely involves upstream runoff and will require coordination with the county.

The council did not adopt any formal action on the spot; officials said further public work sessions will be held once testing and consultant proposals provide clearer options. The city said mitigation will require experts to determine practicable repairs and associated costs before a long-term solution can be pursued.