Let’s take a look at what our taxes are funding.
Above shows the budget broken down by department. I did my best to give an idea based on the information provided in the 2025 Budget Book to show what Onondaga County residents are funding with our local dollars vs other funding. But I believe I am missing some information to complete this data as it seems odd that little to no local dollars would go to OCPL, insurance, OCC, or on debt payments (page 71).
The sales tax above is distributed to the city and school districts. The current sales tax agreement for schools and local municipalities is in place until 2030. See details on page 59. Although the additional 1% of sales tax the county charges must be reauthorized by the New York State Legislature every two years.
For 6 years in a row, the county has ended the year with a surplus. They have over $200 million in reserves, 26% of the general fund revenue. The county has a goal of 15% of net general fund meaning they have millions in reserves they could use to fund more services, housing projects, infrastructure projects, additional staff for our board of elections and more.
The unknown above or miscellaneous includes $25 million state aid that is listed on page 211 but doesn’t list what it is for just Contractual Expenses Non-Govt. Which is similar to on page 113 where it lists $8.9 million and $3.75 million as Contractual Expenses Non-Govt and a transfer. Not sure what these are allocated for although I do believe $5.5 million is for village infrastructure.
Just a note: There is nothing in the budget or capital improvement plan mentioning the aquarium. With the latest bid for the general construction coming in at $57.4 – $67.8 million. These bids would put the aquarium $19 – $30 million OVER budget if the county chooses one of these bids. This was the second time they bid the general construction because the first time the bid was $74.5 million. So what did the county change in the second bid to get costs down? Remember this is already a smaller aquarium then original proposed. I will continue to demand this over $85 million dollar project to be canceled and for the remaining funds to be allocated to building public housing.
Let us know what you think about what your taxes are funding? We want to know what you think. Comment below or email us your thoughts.
The public hearing for the 2025 tentative budget is Thursday, October 3rd at 5:30pm, 401 Montgomery St, Room 407, Syracuse.
See the details below.
Elaine Denton