CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — Cortland’s tax rate next year has increased. 

In the 2026 budget adopted last week by the Common Council, property taxes are going up eight percent, double what was expected. Mayor Scott Steve explained why to 607 News Now on Friday, Dec. 19.

Before the budget was adopted, the tax rate in the 2026 budget was four percent.

FULL INTERVIEW: Cortland Mayor Scott Steve on Ithaca’s Morning News