Legislature authorizes $1.6M from tax-stabilization reserve to lower levy

The Tompkins County Legislature voted unanimously to adopt Resolution G (ID 14300), authorizing the use of $1,600,000 from the tax-stabilization reserve and contingency to reduce the recommended 2027 property tax levy. Legislator Deborah Dawson moved the resolution and Greg Nuzzi seconded; the measure required a supermajority and passed on roll call.

The floor debate focused on whether to use the entire reserve (approximately $2.7M) now or preserve a portion for future unforeseen costs. An amendment to apply the full reserve was proposed but failed on a roll-call vote. Supporters said partial use brought the recommended levy down while keeping a cushion for future SNAP or other liabilities; opponents urged retaining flexibility as several large cost shifts remain uncertain.

The vote was conducted by roll call; the chair announced the result as unanimous after individual members recorded their votes. Morrie (county attorney) noted the tax-stabilization reserve is limited by state law to a small set of uses including reducing the levy and that the proposed action conformed with those statutory rules.