Cortland County Looking at $5 Million Deficit For 2026

Chair of the Cortland County Legislature, Kevin Fitch, has released the 2025 State of the County Address on Thursday, June 26th. In his annual address, Chairman Fitch highlighted the accomplishments from the past year within the county government and the priorities and challenges the county has for the future.
Fitch says since he has been a legislator for the county, he has seen improvements within county government operations and the services it provides to residents. However, he added that the costs for the services have increased, including services that are mandated by the state to provide. He added some of the mandated services are funded, but with some partially funded and also unfunded, leaving the county to pick up the cost. So far, there are 42 programs the county provides that are mandated by New York State.

“First, Cortland County needs to do everything it can in better financial forecasting. It is difficult, but needs to do a better job. Second, be steadfast in staying within the approved twelve month county budget. Cortland County, last year spent two (2) million dollars above their approved budget. This can’t happen anymore.” Fitch said in the State of the County.

As of now, Cortland County is looking at a $5 million dollar deficit for the 2026 budget. Fitch added the large deficit is in part of uncertainty with funding from both the state and federal government.

“Cortland County is doing a deep dive in every department’s budget making sure we are properly budgeted looking at overages and underfunded. This needs to be done for better forecasting. We are also looking at where we can be more efficient and for cost savings.”

Part of this process was in last night’s Legislative meeting where the Legislature voted to create a new Public Works Department. The newly created department combines the Highway, Buildings & Grounds, and Weight and Measures Departments. During a public hearing on the proposed combination, several employees within these three departments spoke out against the proposed combination with one employee from Building and Grounds speaking on how she will now be out of a job. The resolution to combine the departments ended up passing within the legislature.

Chairman Fitch added the county will be looking at all government operations that aid every department that would allow them to do their job and also provide cost savings. Those include shared IT, centralized purchasing, a vehicle pool, and contracting out services.

You can find the full 2025 State of the County online at CortlandCountyNy.gov.