ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — An Ithaca lawmaker is showing empathy for taxpayers.

At a recent budget meeting, Alderperson Margaret Fabrizio said the city is spending a “huge amount of money” on staff. She said Ithacans are expected to pay “extraordinary” taxes.

“I don’t feel like we are underpaid,” Fabrizio said during a discussion about Common Council members’ salaries. Each alderperson currently makes about $17,000 per year for their duties.

The Common Council is considering approving a $107 million spending plan for next year.  The proposed budget includes raises for some city employees.