Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Manlius public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in taxes budget
Highway department project costs
About $4.1 million has been spent on the highway department project as of mid-August. Construction is wrapping up with final closeout expected by September or October; the short-term bond won't convert to a permanent bond until August 2027.
Settlement of three tax certiorari lawsuits
The town settled assessment challenges from Manlius Realty, Ellish Realty and Manlius Academy. Settlements can reduce assessed valuations and affect town property tax revenue, which is why the 4-3 split vote matters.
2027 Town Budget
A ~95% complete budget was unveiled with police (over half of spending) and highway (about a quarter) dominating. Open questions: the police union contract and health insurance plan. Public hearing November 4, adoption November 18.
Highway equipment fleet renewal
The highway department replaced a 2016 wheel loader and a 2017 plow truck, saving roughly $12,500 on the truck through a package deal and getting $45,000 on the loader trade-in.
Trash and brush collection bid extension
The town extended its sealed bid deadline for refuse, recycling, and brush collection to August 19 after an interested bidder asked for more time. A decision on the contract is expected by the end of September.
Trash and Brush Bid Delay
The trash and brush bid was pushed to June 24 after new information from Syracuse Haulers prompted an added clause in the bid documents.
Property Tax Cap Override for Fiscal Year 2027
The Board will hold an October 28 hearing on a local law overriding the state property tax cap for fiscal 2027. It's a precautionary step — it doesn't raise taxes by itself, but keeps the option open during budget deliberations.
Maxwell facility study and police department review
Nearly two dozen residents applied for the facility study group; finalists will be named at the next meeting. Four Maxwell School students are analyzing past facility studies and building costs, with a report due by end of June.
Town Clerk compensation
The board debated whether the Town Clerk should get a 6% or 5% raise, noting most town employees earning over $60,000 are getting only about 3.1%. They landed on 5%, citing comparable towns and her extra website and social media duties.
Boardroom audio upgrade
Residents watching meetings online and in person have complained they can't hear. The board picked a $31,767 audio-only fix over a $57,220 full video-and-audio package, using leftover ARPA funds.
Town health insurance switch to Tompkins County consortium
The town's current health insurance carrier is no longer available, so the board approved applying to the Greater Tompkins County consortium — a required step, not yet a commitment to switch.
2027 Tentative Budget
A budget work session is set for October 21 and the preliminary budget hearing for November 4 — the key dates for residents to weigh in on next year's spending.
B-Fund Budget Deficit
The B-Fund is short because the Twin Ponds project hasn't started construction, so expected building permit fees haven't come in. Budget adjustments are coming.
Bonadio forensic audit of town finances
An independent forensic accounting review, done after the change in town leadership, found no irregularities in the town's finances. Auditors did recommend strengthening internal controls, and the town is looking at how to implement those suggestions.
Property Assessments and Taxes
A new state law offering a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans is being rewritten because its eligibility rules currently exclude nearly everyone. A veterans advocate praised the town's existing alternative veterans exemption as among the most generous locally.