CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — Lawmakers in Cortland are grappling with a large deficit. 

Mayor Scott Steve tells 607 News Now he’s placing some of the blame on rising costs and costly projects. 

Steve says the deficit is between 2.5 and three million dollars. 

The mayor adds hourly rates for city workers have also increased. 

FULL INTERVIEW: Cortland Mayor Scott Steve on 607 This Morning