Manlius · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Manlius public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Trash and brush collection bid extension
A resident asked why brush drop-off was cut from five days to one during highway construction. The town says DEC rules limit what it can accept, and it will revisit expanded hours in the spring.
Maxwell facility study and police department review
A $6,750 contract will produce two five-minute videos showing town hall and police department deficiencies ahead of November 12 public forums. Two councilors voted no over narrative control and public-money concerns; scripts will be pre-approved before filming.
Property Tax Cap Override for Fiscal Year 2027
The board overrode the state's 2% property tax cap so the 2027 budget — roughly 5% over — can go forward. Members cited healthcare costs up 8.8%, diesel up 75%, and union contract increases. The real number comes with the final budget November 18.
Town Clerk compensation
The board debated whether the Town Clerk should get a 6% or 5% raise, noting most town employees earning over $60,000 are getting only about 3.1%. They landed on 5%, citing comparable towns and her extra website and social media duties.
2027 Town Budget
The B-Fund is short because the Twin Ponds project hasn't started construction, so expected building permit fees haven't come in. Budget adjustments are coming.
Boardroom audio upgrade
Residents watching meetings online and in person have complained they can't hear. The board picked a $31,767 audio-only fix over a $57,220 full video-and-audio package, using leftover ARPA funds.
Town health insurance switch to Tompkins County consortium
Manlius is leaving its current health plan because rising costs made it unsustainable, and only two insurers would quote the town. Joining the 78-member consortium gives Manlius the same pooled rate as other municipalities and slightly lowers 2027 premiums for singles and families.
2027 Tentative Budget
The first look at the 2027 budget shows no major staffing changes, 3% non-union raises, department supplies cut 10%, and big pending numbers for health insurance (over $2.5M) and a state-mandated retirement program (over $1.5M). Public hearing and vote come in October/November.
B-Fund Budget Deficit
The B-Fund is short because the Twin Ponds project hasn't started construction, so expected building permit fees haven't come in. Budget adjustments are coming.
Highway department project costs
The highway department replaced a 2016 wheel loader and a 2017 plow truck, saving roughly $12,500 on the truck through a package deal and getting $45,000 on the loader trade-in.
Bonadio forensic audit of town finances
An independent forensic accounting review, done after the change in town leadership, found no irregularities in the town's finances. Auditors did recommend strengthening internal controls, and the town is looking at how to implement those suggestions.
Trash and Brush Bid Delay
The trash and brush bid was pushed to June 24 after new information from Syracuse Haulers prompted an added clause in the bid documents.
Property Assessments and Taxes
A new state law offering a full property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans is being rewritten because its eligibility rules currently exclude nearly everyone. A veterans advocate praised the town's existing alternative veterans exemption as among the most generous locally.
Vacant councilor seat
Supervisor John Deer resigned; board members' letters of interest are due April 3, with an appointment expected at the April 8 meeting.
IT services rebid for budget savings
The board wants to rebid its IT services contract this spring — one of the town's pricier services — to find savings before next year's budget.
Planning Board vs. Supervisor over engineer hire
Supervisor John Deer texted the board chair saying he won't sign an agreement with engineer Doug Miller and the board won't authorize payments — right after the board voted to keep Miller. The board believes it can hire its own consultants and asked its new attorney to research town law. A real test of who controls planning board resources.
2026 Fee Schedule Increases
The board approved 2026 code, professional and Town Clerk fee schedules with proposed increases. Residents and businesses using town permits and clerk services will pay more this year.