WHY ARE ITHACA’s TAXES RISING SO FAST?

RISING TAXES WITHOUT POPULATION GROWTH

Taxes in Ithaca have gone up about 40% over the past three years. During that time, our population has not grown. Inflation was only around 9% over that period. So it’s fair to ask: have we added a lot of new programs that benefit the community? Have our services improved dramatically?

I believe the answer to both questions is no. The real reason taxes keep climbing is that the Mayor, Common Council, and City Manager have not made controlling costs a priority.

FAILURE TO PRIORITIZE COST CONTROL

The Mayor and Common Council often say, “We make policy, the City Manager handles administration, including costs.” But I would argue that it is absolutely the job of our elected officials to ensure the city is run in a cost-effective way. Simply put, it should be city policy that efficiency matters. That makes cost control the responsibility of both the Mayor and the Common Council.

TOMPKINS COUNTY SHOWS A BETTER EXAMPLE

And we know it can be done. Tompkins County is proving it right now. The County Legislature meets with department heads, reviews budgets line by line, and works to cut unnecessary costs. As a result, county tax increases have stayed in the range of just 2 to 3 percent in recent years.

That is exactly what the City of Ithaca should be doing. I am not suggesting closing programs or cutting departments. I am not suggesting reckless layoffs. What I am suggesting is that our elected officials take responsibility, stop passing the buck, and get serious about finding out why costs are rising so quickly.

CITY OF ITHACA MUST ACT

If that means changing how the city is administered, then let’s do it. We made a major change a few years ago by adopting a City Manager form of government. We can make adjustments again if needed. What it takes is determination and the courage to do what works, rather than shifting blame.

Respectfully,

Gepe Zurenda