The Tompkins County Legislature recommended a 2025 budget totaling $252 million, according to the County Administrator on September 3. The budget relies heavily on local property taxes, sales tax revenue, and state and federal funds. The proposed property tax levy is $55.7 million, marking a 4.34% increase from 2024, resulting in a $138 increase for owners of median-priced homes valued at $300,000.
To manage costs, all departments and funded not-for-profits were asked to propose budgets reflecting a 5% reduction. Departments also submitted over-target requests for additional funding, some of which were included in the recommended budget for legislative consideration.
Budget Amendments
During the October 3 meeting, legislators reviewed and voted on amendments to the County Administrator’s Recommended Budget. Key amendments included:
- Natural Infrastructure Fund: $400,000 reallocated to support the green fleet and facilities restoration (approved 14-0).
- Rural Libraries: $11,001 restored from proposed cuts (approved 14-0).
- Poet Laureate Stipend: $500 restored (approved 11-2).
- Environmental Management Council: $195 added for an annual gathering (approved 12-1).
- Cayuga Lake Watershed Network: $8,056 approved annually for three years (approved 14-0).
- Gadabout Transportation Services: $85,000 designated from the contingent fund (approved 14-0).
- Planning and Sustainability Department: $15,542 restored for personnel management (approved 8-6) and $8,500 for grant-writing (approved 12-2). However, $21,700 for time-sensitive initiatives was not restored (rejected 3-11).
- Cornell Cooperative Extension: $50,000 cut for the Student Navigator Program (approved 10-4), while $25,000 for capacity building was maintained (failed amendment to cut 7-7).
- Human Services Coalition: $40,000 for a data specialist position (approved 14-0).
- School Food Centers: $50,000 approved for lines of credit (approved 14-0).
- Sunflower House Program: $45,000 annually for three years approved (14-0).
- Community Food Coalition: $25,000 approved for inventory support (14-0).
- Tompkins County Office of Human Rights: $14,324 reduction in budget (approved 14-0).
- Vacancy Factor: Increased by $500,000 to support emergency shelter development (approved 13-1).