ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — In a 9-2 vote Wednesday night, Ithaca’s budget 2025 was approved by the Common Council.

The vote came after another lengthy public hearing, where residents voiced concerns about costs. Thursday on Ithaca’s Morning News, Mayor Robert Cantelmo shared some highlights from next year’s spending plan.

In the budget, Mayor Cantelmo says 7 positions at the Ithaca Police Department were kept despite proposed amendments to delay new hires.

Cantelmo adds the Common Council agreed on a compromise, whereupon 4 positions will be funded on January 1st and the remaining 3 positions are funded starting on July 1st. Police Chief Tom Kelly recently told WHCU recruitment efforts have become “year-round.”