HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance 2025 Annual ReportTown of Ithaca
Finance Office 2025 Year End Report
• Prepared the 2026 Budget within the tax cap and a 4.3% increase in the tax levy.
• Successful audit for 2024. Annual Financial Report (AUD) submitted to NYS Comptroller.
• After reaching record high interest earnings in 2024 ($1.48 million), rates cooled a bit in 2025
(as expected) yet still earned the town $1.27 million in revenue in 2025. This was in line with
2023 earnings of $1.29 million in 2023. For comparison, interest earnings in 2022 were $285k.
The town has investments with Tompkins Community Bank (high yield savings account and
CD’s) as well as NY Class.
• To reduce fraud risks and improve efficiency, the Finance Office has converted many vendors
to electronic payments. This has resulted in more timely vendor payments, and reduced cost for
printing/mailing checks.
• The town continues to expand the use of online payments for water/sewer, tax collection,
permitting and other various services across all departments.
• HR and Finance worked jointly on the creation and filling of a support person that backs up both
administrative functions. This was a joint initiative centered around succession planning and
anticipated evolution of duties going forward. Having someone cross trained in Payroll/HR &
Finance creates greater stability and continuity in these key administrative areas.
• New tax collection software was launched for the 2026 tax season. Staff are working with the
vendor to refine the process but generally pleased with the outcome. Also of note, the
percentage of tax dollars collected through online and electronic payment options has nearly
doubled from last year to this year. The Town worked with large tax service organizations to
facilitate electronic payments on behalf of their customers which has vastly improved efficiency.
2026 Goals –
• Review of procurement policy and current/past practices to identify opportunities for improved
workflow efficiencies while remaining compliant with NYS law and regulations.
• Work with Edmunds GovTech on the conversion away from Harris (the town’s current Enterprise
software suite used for Payroll & Finance). Go live is anticipated for end of 2026 – Jan 1 2027.
• Continue to develop opportunities to use Laserfiche to improve records management, workflow
and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with all departments in the development and implementation of the
recommended 2027 budget.
• Assist in the recruitment and training of the new Deputy Finance Officer due to retirement.