Geneva is at a pivotal moment. Our city, like many across New York State, faces the difficult task of balancing fiscal responsibility with community investment. The recent call for a 10% tax levy (translates to well over $2.5 million in reductions) reduction is not only shortsighted, it misrepresents how municipal taxation works and overlooks the economic progress we are making together.

Let’s Be Clear: The tax levy is not a target, it’s a result. The tax levy is not an arbitrary number chosen at will. It is the amount of money needed after accounting for state aid, grants, fees and other revenue streams to cover the cost of services the residents rely on every day. Fire protection, police, public works, road maintenance, parks, youth services and more. This number is determined after months of public budgeting work and financial forecasting, not by political promises. Slashing the levy by nearly $900K in a single year, without a fully vetted fiscal plan or understanding of long term service impacts is fiscally reckless.

The Facts: Assessed values are up, not just taxes. Geneva is not a city in decline. In fact, recent increases in home assessments across the city reflect a growing demand for housing and a recognition of Geneva’s potential. These rising property values are a direct result of our investments........

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