Legislature unanimously adopts the 2026 budget

The adopted tax levy of $56,870,844 in the Tompkins County 2026 budget results in a 3.59% tax levy increase, which is equal to the county’s tax cap calculated by the state. This tax change will result in an increase of approximately $31.26 on a median-priced home ($300,000) or a county tax payment of roughly $1,469. For commercial properties, the tax increase is estimated at $96.90 on a median-priced property ($470,000) with a county tax payment of $2,302.

The unanimous final vote was preceded by several budget amendments. Legislator Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing, Cayuga Heights) reported that Cornell has reached an agreement with the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) underwriters for an annual contribution of $280,000. Dawson moved to reduce the county’s previous $500,000 allocation to $280,000. The motion for this $220,000 reduction carried unanimously.

Legislator Rich John (D-Ithaca City) proposed to add $58,590 for Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources (OAR) for College Initiative Update (CIU) and Endeavor House programs. Legislator Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca City) proposed to add $37,960 for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County and $95,000 for REACH Medical to acquire a mobile mammography van. The additions totaling $191,550 were approved in a 13-1 vote, with Legislator Michael Lane (D-Dryden) opposed.

Legislator Greg Mezey (D-Dryden) moved to add $150,000 to the contingent fund to build up the fund balance, which passed 13-1, with Legislator Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) opposed.

Legislators commented on the 2026 budget as “one of the most difficult ones” (John, D-Ithaca City), a “reckoning” (Sigler, R-Lansing), and marked by “increases in wages, health insurance, and community needs” (Legislator Shawna Black, D-Ithaca Town). 

Reflections also included a sense of accomplishment in reaching a “balanced budget that maintains core services” (Legislator Shurtleff, R-Groton, Dryden, Lansing), “wrestling with decisions and aligning them with county values” (Mezey, D-Dryden), and “working hard to make the budget process transparent” (Lane, D-Dryden). Legislators thanked all departments and the county administration for their efforts and Legislator Lane for his leadership in this process. It was noted that this was Lane’s 40^th municipal budget vote.