ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — Ithaca’s Common Council has seen a draft of the 2024 budget.

Mayor Laura Lewis delivered her proposed budget during Wednesday’s Common Council meeting. Lewis acknowledged costs are increasing for the city, but sales tax has shown growth in 2023.

“We saw an increase in sales tax revenue,” Mayor Lewis said. “Then it leveled off a bit.” She’s encouraging ‘cautious optimism.’

Thursday on Ithaca’s Morning News, Alderperson Robert Cantelmo reacted positively to what he heard.

Cantelmo, who chairs the City Administration Committee, adds all labor contracts in the city are up to date.

Three public hearings on the budget proposal are on the calendar, and a vote is scheduled for November 1.