Common Council majority in favor of 6.3% tax levy increase

The city of Oneonta Common Council came to a majority consensus to consider raising the tax levy 6.3% in the tentative 2026 budget Thursday, Nov. 13.

Don Mathisen, D-Eighth Ward, said the council should take into account various factors impacting people’s finances, including the different taxes residents pay, like school, county and library taxes. He said utilities in the state are up 11% year over year, rent is up about 5% and monthly homeowner expenses are up above 3%.