2026 Tentative County Budget Proposes 7.5% Tax Levy Increase – 2.2% County Tax Rate Increase

On Thursday afternoon, Cortland County Administrator Michael Ponticiello, presented the 2026 Cortland County tentative budget to the full Cortland County Legislature. In the tentative budget, the county looks to increase the county tax levy to $43,750,000, which is a 7.5% increase from the 2025 budget.

In his budget message to the Legislature, Ponticiello says he approached the budget process with both enthusiasm and the required respect for the “extensive work” that was completed by county departments, staff, and the Finance Committee. It should be noted that Ponticiello has been the County Administrator for just over 30 days.

“My focus has been on understanding our fiscal position and ensuring that the 2026 Tentative Budget balances immediate operational needs with the long-term priorities of the Legislature. While the fiscal pressures predate my arrival, I am committed to working collaboratively to evaluate efficiencies, strengthen revenue stability, and chart a sustainable path forward for Cortland County.” Ponticiello said.

The tentative budget for 2026 is $12,041,940 higher than the 2025 adopted budget, proposed for 2026 at $143,046,658. Ponticiello noted that the year-over-year increases are primarily driven by areas common across counties within the state. Those include increases in social security programs, salary and benefit increases, particularly healthcare, and assigned counsel program increases.

“The tentative budget includes a property tax levy of $43,750,000. This is a 7.50% increase over the 2025 property tax levy. The tentative 2025 budget does not stay within the New York State mandated tax cap. The average County tax rate would be $14.861379 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is a 2.2% increase over the 2025 average County tax rate of $14.540626.”

Ponticiello noted state impacts and mandates continue to “exert significant pressure on Cortland County’s budget.” He added the largest mandate the county faces is Medicaid, which he says consumes nearly 25% of the county’s yearly expenditures. Even with state-caps on Medicaid growth, the county still contributes substantial funding with costs projected in 2026 at $10,355,510.

“In addition to Medicaid, other state mandates include public defense services, foster care, child welfare, and special education services, which the county must provide, are only partially reimbursed by the state. New mandates, such as those associated with public defender requirements, new jail regulations, and other cost shifts from New York State budget onto the County’s budget have also contributed to rising costs, straining the county’s ability to invest in local priorities. These unfunded or underfunded mandates limit the county’s budget flexibility and require the county to allocate resources that could otherwise be used for infrastructure, public safety, or other critical areas.”

Ponticiello also mentioned the county’s preparation in changing federal costs. Saying it is expected to mostly occur in the human services departments within the county and could result in an increase in a need of local funds to cover required services. For 2026 sales tax revenue, the county projections for 2026 will be conservatively estimated with a growth rate of 2.5% expected over 2025.

The entire tentative county budget for 2026, all 442 pages, may be found online at CortlandCountyNY.gov.