Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh

Moody’s gave Syracuse an A-1 rating and stable outlook, backing Mayor Walsh’s financial stewardship amid council criticism.

The normally uneventful process was unusually heated after councilors presented last-minute budget-cutting amendments.

The vote ends the most contentious budget process of Mayor Walsh's tenure, and perhaps the last decade. Walsh says department heads are working on contingency budgets for the fiscal year starting July 1.

The council appears to have the six vote majority needed to override the mayor's objections. He warns that could result in a significant cut to city services.

Councilors slashed $16 million from Walsh's original proposal. He hopes enough of them will agree to restore $13 million to avoid service disruptions and staff cuts.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh proposed a budget that raises taxes 2%, while investing in housing, public safety, parks and more. He's also suggesting borrowing from city reserves.

Walsh says he wants a neutral, court-appointed receiver to take over the property.

Walsh delivered his final address, highlighting seven years of accomplishments while laying out his ambitious plans for the next 11 months.

Homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault were all down from 2023, but stolen cars pushed up property crime numbers.

The council pulled money from new positions proposed by the mayor and applied it toward housing entities.