OWASCO — After hearing feedback from the public and a failed attempt to reduce the tax burden, the Cayuga County Legislature on Tuesday approved a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
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The Cayuga County Department of Planning & Economic Development's Nathaniel Rogers, who is losing his job due to cuts in the 2026 county budget, speaks during a public hearing at the county Legislature's Dec. 9 meeting in Owasco. A final vote approved a $198 million budget that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Cayuga County Legislator Ben Vitale, I-Montezuma, voted against the $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Gallery: Cayuga County Legislature hears public, approves budget raising tax levy 12.5%
Cayuga County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Anna talks with Legislator Mark Strong before the start of the public hearing preceding the final vote to approve a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
From left, Legislators Elane Daly, Amy Sargent and Brian Muldrow talk before the start of the public hearing preceding the final vote to approve a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
The Cayuga County Department of Planning & Economic Development's Nathaniel Rogers, who is losing his job due to cuts in the 2026 county budget, speaks during a public hearing at the county Legislature's Dec. 9 meeting in Owasco. A final vote approved a $198 million budget that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Concerned Cayuga County residents attend a public hearing before the final vote to approve a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Aurora Mayor Jim Orman speaks during the public hearing at the Cayuga County Legislature's Dec. 9 meeting in Owasco. A final vote approved a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Michael Miller speaks during the public hearing at the Cayuga County Legislature's Dec. 9 meeting in Owasco. A final vote approved a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Michael Miller speaks during the public hearing at the Cayuga County Legislature's Dec. 9 meeting in Owasco. A final vote approved a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Cayuga County Legislator Brian Muldrow listens during the public hearing before the final vote to approve a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Kevin Wise, of Sennett, expresses his frustration with increased taxes by telling Cayuga County legislators to do their jobs during the public hearing before the final vote to approve a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Cayuga County Legislator Mark Strong listens during the public hearing before the final vote to approve a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Cayuga County Legislator Heidi Nightengale listens during the public hearing before the final vote to approve a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Cayuga County Legislator Elane Daly asks a question during the public hearing before the final vote to approve a $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Cayuga County Legislator Ben Vitale, I-Montezuma, voted against the $198 million budget for 2026 that will raise the property tax levy by 12.5%.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
Robert Harding
Government and politics reporter
