Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has issued vetoes to the city budget cuts proposed by the Syracuse Common Council. The mayor’s actions aim to prevent reductions that could negatively impact constituent services, quality of life, public safety, and city employees. According to Mayor Walsh, this targeted approach will also eliminate the need for a property tax increase while reducing city spending.
The vetoes were submitted in a formal letter addressed to the City Clerk and Common Council, adhering to procedures outlined in the City Charter. On May 8, the Council had approved $16 million in spending reductions affecting various city services. However, Walsh criticized these cuts as excessively steep and implemented without consulting department heads.
“Respectfully, I do not support the Council’s amendments and significant reductions to the proposed budget,” stated Walsh in his letter. “In the interest of compromise, however, I am only objecting 45 amendments which I believe to be most harmful to our constituents and employees. I urge the Council to reconsider and not make those reductions.”
Among the objections raised by Mayor Walsh were cuts to budgets for Police and Fire Departments as well as Code Enforcement and Permit Review. He also opposed a 50% reduction in Law Department funding for outside legal counsel critical for housing and neighborhood safety. Furthermore, Walsh objected to most amendments that reduced spending on Public Works and Parks Departments but accepted a small increase in water rates.
Walsh allowed 37 amendments that reduce spending to remain intact. His letter added, “Through these reductions the need for an increase in the tax rate is eliminated.” This strategy aims at maintaining current service levels without employee layoffs while achieving budget goals set by the Council.
Due to restrictions within the City Charter, Mayor Walsh cannot revise changes made by the Council regarding fund balance draws. Therefore, he objected specifically to amendment No. 79 concerning fund balance restoration of $27 million included initially in his budget proposal. Depending on how the Council responds, this could lead to surplus revenue resulting in a property tax rate decrease.
Before submitting his veto message, Mayor Walsh’s administration provided councilors with a memorandum detailing potential impacts of all 82 council amendments.
According to protocol underlined by City Charter guidelines—Council may respond during its next regular meeting on May 27 or hold special sessions until June 2 deadline—to finalize adoption decisions related directly towards budgeting processes.
Mayor Walsh’s complete veto message along with administrative memos assessing impacts from proposed council adjustments are accessible below.
