News

Ithaca closes $8 million budget gap, Recckio says

Ithaca closes $8 million budget gap, Recckio says

Ithaca City Hall (file) Photo: Saga Communications/607 News Now


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — In Ithaca, a large budget gap next year is gone. 

City Manager Dominick Recckio says a lot of work went into dropping the projected deficit for 2027. 

“We entered the budget season with an $8 million budget gap that had to be closed, Recckio said Friday, Oct. 23 on WHCU’s 607 This Morning. “I can confidently say that staff have done a pretty excellent job of closing that gap. What we’re looking at ultimately is a budget that was recommended below the New York State tax gap; the budget recommends a 1.7% tax levy increase,” Recckio continued.

To close the deficit, Recckio says city officials suggested making cuts across the board.

“We took a lot of cuts to different things this year, Recckio stated. “We avoided layoffs. We trimmed quite a few vacant positions and lots of things across contracts or other operational items,” Recckio added.

Recckio, who was recently appointed city manager, presented his recommended budget to the Common Council at their Oct. 7 meeting. Common Council members will likely vote to adopt the 2027 city budget on Nov. 4.

Recent Headlines

18 hours ago in Education, Entertainment, Local, Sports

Ithaca College football wins 6th straight game

The Bombers put away Union College in the fourth quarter.

20 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start amid high chocolate prices and affordability concerns

Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start this year as U.S. consumers grapple with high living costs and eye-popping chocolate prices. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the same period last year, according to NielsenIQ, a market research firm.

20 hours ago in Features, Trending

‘Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers’ brings artistry to a Halloween tradition

When fall arrives and leaves start changing color, Mike Valladao, a systems engineer at a cybersecurity company, slips into his alter ego, "Farmer Mike," also known as the "Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers."