Ithaca · Local digest

The Ithaca Common Council voted Wednesday to raise the mayor's salary from $30,000 to approximately $52,166 annually and council members' compensation from $17,091 to about $19,562, effective January 1, 2027. The mayor's salary increase faced debate, with some council members questioning whether the position should remain full-time after the 2024 transition to a city-manager form of government. The raises pass amid a challenging budget year requiring all city departments to implement 5% budget cuts. The council also voted to establish a special governance reform committee to examine the mayor's responsibilities, with recommendations expected by June 2027. Source: The Ithaca Voice

The Ithaca Common Council passed a moratorium on permits for certain Cornell University and student events by a vote of 9-1, proposed by Mayor Robert Cantelmo in response to the university's handling of a 2024 gang rape allegation involving fraternity members. The ban applies to Cornell-affiliated sororities, fraternities, and student organizations, though it excludes constitutionally protected activities like peaceful assembly and free speech. Graduate student leaders expressed concern that the moratorium was too broad and could affect the wider student body beyond Greek life, while some residents supported the measure as necessary to protect student safety. The moratorium expires November 5 but the council can extend it, and the city is in ongoing conversations with Cornell about transferring sex crime investigations to local police, strengthening campus sexual violence prevention, and supporting state law changes. (WSKG)

Ithaca is seeking residents to apply for vacancies on City Boards and Commissions, with applications due by November 1. Current opportunities include positions in Zoning, Planning & Development, Sustainability & Climate Justice, Landmark Preservation, and Community Police Relations. According to Mayor Robert Cantelmo, serving on these boards helps residents share ideas and help shape the future of the city through participation in local government.