Thanks for the information on the proposed county budget. My question is: how is this difficult budget season impacting the county’s proposed plans for a new Center of Government and the ballooning costs of that project?

The Center of Government cost has risen from 50 million in early 2025 to 64 million dollars as of December 2025. It must be much higher now. If we can’t even afford to cover our current costs without blowing way over inflation-adjusted budget increases, how can this unnecessary expense be justified?

Is the county now considering less expensive options for county work space, such as fixing current buildings, allowing more work- from - home options, moving into a existing space such as Harold’s square or, if a new building is absolutely necessary, constructing something much simpler on a cheaper lot outside downtown?

First of all, the answer provided as to why Cornell does not pay its fair share of property tax is a generic non-answer. As residents of Tompkins County, clear answers to this ongoing issue should be provided and more work should be done by local politicians and administrators to address this issue. Secondly, I didn’t see much at all mentioned about the $64 million Center of Government complex. Why is this a priority while instituting a nearly 12% tax levy on already struggling county residents? I see these two issues (among others in the budget) as large unanswered and unquestioned discussions that need to be addressed.

Since 2006, after a Community Advisory Panel ("CAP") made 30+ recommendations about our budget process (after tax rates had been consistently doubling inflation, making living in Tompkins County unsustainable for working class folks if the trend had continued,) the annual budget process instituted a process of "Targets" (determined by ea. Dept. Head after being given a generally below-inflation guideline from a May budget retreat each year,) and then could submit "Over Target Requests." This flipped the past pattern of high budget requests from Departments that legislators had to sort through & then whittle down, often without enough information, making them look like the 'bad guys" - to a system where Department Heads (knowing all the information about their Department needs and priorities,) submitted budgets to meet the below-inflation guideline, & then had to justify every request above that base budget guideline with adequate information allowing for reasoned deliberations, comparing "OTR's" across all Departments & needs county-wide, making legislators more focused on key priorities and sometimes be the 'good guys," if some things did get added back in.
WHAT HAPPENED to that process this year? Was there no May budget retreat giving a sustainable county-wide guideline to Department Heads? What we are seeing in 2026 deliberations is the old script which structurally (based on how it's literally set-up,) will never get close to below-inflation levels, thus starting a cycle, once again, of unsustainable tax increases forcing low and middle-income folks to nearby counties and having to commute farther to work in the county, or worse, moving away completely.
PLEASE return to the well-thought out "Target/OTR" system that ALL legislators used for almost 2 decades successfully, to focus budget discussions on the ability of what taxpayers can afford, balanced with countywide needs, sustainably. Thanks for listening.

I would like to know the amount of subsidy required to maintain operations at the County Airport.Am I correct that the County is using Room Tax revenue to fund the operating subsidyor. Is this one of the items that was previously financed by fund balance.

Thank you for providing tax information to tax payers and providing this forum.
I have been told that Cornell University is the largest land owner in Tompkins County and pays no taxes on their land.
If that is wrong please correct me.
My economic standing is above average, and I am continually stunned by how new, luxurious and well maintained the facilities are on the Cornell campus; their roads, sidewalks, architecture, landscaping, perpetual construction and development.
I repeatedly see news that Cornell refuses to pay a larger share to the County or City.
Cornell students use County properties, yet County residents who are not affiliated with Cornell rarely use Cornell properties.
What would the county resident's taxes, roads, health services, schools, library, sidewalks, etc. look like if Cornell payed their fair share?
Nationally other town's that are home to valuable universities of higher education also have well maintained off campus facilities and services.
I understand that financial support to American citizens has been drastically reduced by our current national gold clad regime. And even Cornell lost some national financial support.
I would like to see stronger negotiations with Cornell. They benefit from county properties and need to pay a larger share.
Cornell could be leaders in spreading justice and equity for all by not hoarding their wealth.

According to your example, 47% of Ithaca property taxes go to the Ithaca City School District. There is a separate school tax bill that also goes to ICSD. Can you clarify if they get both, 47% of property taxes AND 100% of school taxes? Thank you. Cindy

It seems like the Big Red Elephant in the county budget room is the inequity of the landowner with the most property (Cornell) paying between 12% to 15% of the taxes that a citizen or business would pay in annual taxes on that property. According to the Ithacan October 4, 2023, If Cornell and Ithaca College paid taxes on all of their property in the county, the property tax for an average house in Ithaca would drop between 40 to 45 percent. With the policy failures of our federal government affecting the price of energy (which drives everything) the county will have to pay more than inflation rate to afford the same services, and make drastic cuts in services and raise our taxes. Our county legislators are trying their best to avoid exceeding the annual tax rate increase cap. It is depressing that our county cannot afford to provide essential services with these huge tax-exempt landowners in our area.

Age Group: 65-74
Purpose of Travel: Visiting Friends/Family
What were the main factors that influenced your decision to use Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) for your travel? (e.g., convenience, direct flights, cost, proximity)" Proximity to airport
How often do you fly from ITH? Occasionally
How would you rate the overall cleanliness of the airport? Good
How satisfied were you with the check-in process? Satisfied
How do you rate the efficiency of the security check process? Very Efficient
What facilities/services did you use at the airport? (Select all that apply)
Restrooms, Food & Beverage Outlets, Wi-Fi Services
How would you rate the quality of food and beverage options available?
Excellent
How would you rate the friendliness and helpfulness of the airport staff? Excellent
Did you encounter any problems during your visit? No
If yes, were they resolved to your satisfaction? Not Applicable
Overall, how satisfied are you with your experience at ITH?
Satisfied
Would you choose ITH for your future travel needs?
Might or Might Not

I am Geri Tierney, and I am writing to you as a resident of Tompkins County to voice my concern for the proposed reduced funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Tompkins County in the 2026 County Budget.

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides essential programs which strengthen and support families and communities, and which support local needs in the areas of food, agriculture, youth education, understanding energy choices and workforce development. My own family and many of my friends and neighbors have benefited from these programs. The proposed reduced budget would substantially reduce CCE’s ability to provide these valuable services. I urge the Legislature to restore level funding for CCE of Tompkins County, as requested by CCE.

You are breaking our backs with constant increases in taxes and now it’s at a time when the basics like food, shelter, utilities, and healthcare costs are skyrocketing. You can do better than this.