CommitteeCortland

Common Council

Track committee activity, current roster, and published meeting coverage for Common Council in Cortland.

0 active membersLast meeting Aug 4, 202614 summaries in 30d

Summaries

Active roster

Latest activity

Aug 21, 2026

Municipality

Cortland

Latest coverage

Wastewater Labor Contract Vote Delayed

Published Aug 21, 2026

Related summaries

Published meeting coverage connected to Common Council.

Briefing

Jul 21, 2026

City Approves New Property Tax Collection Plan

The Common Council unanimously authorized an agreement for the County of Cortland to collect City of Cortland real property taxes, with expected administrative savings and faster payments to the City. The agreement provides that the County will reimburse the City for delinquent taxes.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Jul 7, 2026

Council Extends Public Works Labor Agreement

The Common Council approved a two-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement for Department of Public Works and Youth Bureau employees by a 7-0 vote. The agreement adds a two-tier salary system and separate Class A and Class B motor-vehicle-operator positions to support recruitment and CDL licensing.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Jun 23, 2026

Audit Finds Financial Reporting Weaknesses

The 2024 audit gave the City a clean opinion on its balance sheets but disclaimed an opinion on operating statements because of unreliable prior fund balances and unresolved water and sewer revenue reconciliations. The general fund was overspent by about $1.8 million, largely offset by $1.7 million in unbudgeted grant revenue, for a net variance of roughly $34,000.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Jun 16, 2026

Council Advances Zoning and Paid Parking Hearings

The Council scheduled July 7 public hearings on proposed zoning changes that could allow more first-floor housing and on parking amendments that would introduce paid parking in areas near SUNY Cortland. It also scheduled a required public hearing for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant program.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

May 19, 2026

Roundhouse Mill demolition authorized

The Council approved agreements for demolition and air monitoring at the vacant Roundhouse Mill at 41 Elm Street. Demolition costs may not exceed the $242,000 Restore NY grant, and the mayor said the city will ultimately bear no project cost because the property owner will cover the required 10% match and any overages.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

May 5, 2026

Wastewater Upgrades Move Forward

The Council approved a construction contract of up to $2.185 million for general work on the Wastewater Treatment Facility’s Water Quality Improvement Project, funded through a $2.2024 million grant and local funds. It also authorized a related electrical construction agreement, though the approved amount was not included in the excerpt.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Apr 21, 2026

Council Approves Fire Vehicle Financing

The Common Council approved the purchase of a firefighting vehicle and apparatus, authorizing up to $1,169,138 in project costs and $169,138 in serial bonds; the vote was 7-0. The Council also approved 2025 and 2026 budget amendments and permits for two 2026 community events.

1 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Apr 7, 2026

Council Calls for Energy Emergency

The Common Council unanimously called on Governor Hochul to declare an energy state of emergency over escalating energy costs. It also required 125-127 Elm Street to obtain an operating permit and undergo periodic inspections, and authorized up to $25,000 for supplemental dog-control services through December 31, 2026.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Mar 24, 2026

Council Advances Yaman Beach Bond Plan

The Common Council considered a $4,796,965 bond authorization for reconstructing and improving the Yaman Beach bathhouse and pavilions; members identified approximately $900,000 as the City's share and discussed finding funding sources before committing to that expense. The Council also approved wastewater grant funding changes, a housing-related mortgage subordination, and budget adjustments, including funding for a parks and recreation vehicle.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Mar 3, 2026

Yaman Beach Bond Proposal Fails

The Common Council rejected a bond resolution for up to $4,796,965 in Yaman Beach bathhouse and pavilion improvements, voting 5-2 when six votes were required. The city’s estimated share was $900,000, with grant reimbursement expected to cover the remaining project cost.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Feb 17, 2026

Cortland Sets Three Percent Lodging Tax

The Common Council authorized a 3% occupancy tax on covered overnight lodging beginning April 1, 2026, with annual revenue estimated at approximately $125,000. The revenue is designated for tourism, cultural programs, parks and recreation, community events, and related infrastructure.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Feb 3, 2026

Council advances Randall Park playground grant

The Council authorized an application for $390,830.40 in Municipal Parks and Recreation grant funding to renovate the Randall Park playground, with a required local match of $39,083.04. The meeting also approved a $123,600 annual maintenance agreement for the wastewater facility’s 500KW cogeneration system.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Jan 20, 2026

Wastewater Labor Contract Vote Delayed

The Common Council tabled a proposed four-year Teamsters Local 317 contract for wastewater treatment facility employees until staff provide a detailed multiyear cost projection. The tentative agreement includes a first-year market-rate adjustment and fixed hourly raises in years two through four, averaging approximately 3% annually.

2 min readMunicipal coverage

Briefing

Jan 6, 2026

Council funds volunteer firefighting and mutual aid

The council authorized $35,000 for volunteer firefighting services in 2026 and affirmed the City of Cortland Fire Department’s participation in the Cortland County Fire Service Mutual Aid Plan through December 31, 2027. Both resolutions passed unanimously, 8-0.

2 min readMunicipal coverage