ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Public hearings on Ithaca’s 2026 budget draft are coming up over the next several weeks.

The Common Council is now reviewing the proposed spending plan, which includes a tax levy increase of 3.5%. It falls below New York’s cap on property taxes. According to the city, “this would result in an estimated annual increase of $81.19 in the property tax bill for the owner of a median-valued home in the City of Ithaca ($350,000).”

“Receiving a budget under the tax cap and with the flexibility of funding additional priorities is a great achievement on behalf of our City staff,” Mayor Robert Cantelmo said. Common Council will review the budget that has been received and carefully consider the additional requests and priorities as good stewards of public funds.”

“No staff layoffs are planned in this proposed budget, though it relies on some reduced staffing levels via defunding several positions and introducing a 5% staffing vacancy rate adjustment. Staff will monitor staffing levels monthly to ensure cost savings are achieved while priority positions are filled on a timely basis,” city officials said.

Here’s an outline of scheduled public hearings, which includes departmental budget presentations:

  • Budget hearing #1
    Wed., Oct 8 (after the Common Council’s voting meeting)
    IPD, City Attorney, Planning & Development
  • Tues., Oct. 14
    DPW, Controller, HR, City Manager, Legislative
  • Budget hearing #2
    Wed. Oct. 15
    Information & community engagement, GIAC, capital projects, fees, outside agencies
  • Tues., Oct. 21 & Wed., Oct. 22
    Council deliberations and proposed amendment discussion
  • Budget hearing #3
    Wed., Nov. 5
    Vote on 2026 budget

To see more information about Ithaca’s budget proposal for 2026, click here.