ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Financial decisions are being made at Ithaca City Hall.

On March 12, the Common Council voted to approve fringe benefits for confidential city employees. The benefits include an annual vacation buyout option.

Alderperson Margaret Fabrizio said the council must keep the budget in mind.

“Our job is a really tricky one,” she said. “We want to honor our employees and reward our employees . . . we are also working with public funds and as we all know, they’re pretty scarce.”

The vote had no effect on the city’s existing budget, as funds were previously put in restricted contingency. The benefits were unanimously approved.