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In his first year as mayor, Giannettino is hoping for a different result. 

The council voted again Thursday to ask the state for more aid. The funding provided through the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities program has been flat for more than a decade. Even as the size of the state budget has increased by roughly $100 billion, unrestricted state aid to municipalities has not changed. 

Auburn's state aid was more than $5.2 million in 2008-09, but that allocation was cut over the next three years. By 2011-12, it was reduced to $4.9 million. It has remained at that level in the last 12 state budgets. 

Gov. Kathy Hochul's proposed 2024-25 state budget includes $4.9 million in aid for the city of Auburn and keeps AIM funding flat for other municipalities across New York. 

"The way that they do business is not sustainable," Giannettino said. "It's not sustainable at the state level and it's not sustainable at the local level." 

The aid is important for local governments like Auburn because they can use it to cover the costs of day-to-day operations. A report released by Syracuse City Auditor Alexander Marion showed that state aid previously covered costs associated with 65% of city services, including the fire and police departments. Now, AIM funding covers 42% of those expenses. 

State Sen. Rachel May, who represents the cities of Auburn and Syracuse, is planning to introduce a bill that would change the AIM formula. Giannettino praised the senator for listening to the concerns and proposing a solution. 

Giannettino, who has made securing more state aid a top priority early in his term, wants to collaborate with other mayors to advocate for additional funding. He plans to attend to the New York State Conference of Mayors winter meeting in Albany. While there, he is hoping to testify at a budget hearing about the need for more AIM funding.