The Auburn City Council is considering restoring part of the city’s crossing guard program after hearing public comments during a budget hearing Monday night.
According to Auburn City Clerk Chuck Mason, several residents spoke in support of maintaining crossing guards as city officials continue work on the proposed 2026-27 budget.
“There were some residents that spoke, trying to advocate for the crossing guard program, the part-time crossing guard program, which is oversaw by the Auburn Police Department,” Mason said during an appearance on FLX Morning.
The crossing guard program was initially slated for elimination as part of the city’s effort to close a budget gap. However, Mason said city staff has since developed a proposal that would retain some of the positions.
“In regards to crossing guards, the staff has put together a list of about seven crossing guard positions that are going to be introduced for this final version of the budget to be funded,” Mason said. “That would be down from the 13 that are currently in there.”
The proposal would preserve roughly half of the existing crossing guard positions while reducing the overall cost of the program.
Mason said at least some members of the council appeared open to the compromise. However, not all council members support the reduction. Mason noted that Councilor Jimmy Giannettino Cuddy advocated for retaining the current program.
The discussion came during a public hearing on the proposed city budget, which also included comments regarding funding for the Casey Park pool, city spending priorities and police department license plate reader technology.
Council members are expected to continue budget discussions over the next week. Mason said Councilor Terry Cuddy Diego requested additional time to review several budget line items, and council members expressed support for extending the review period.
The council is scheduled to vote June 4 on a local law authorizing the city to exceed New York’s property tax cap. A final vote on the 2026-27 budget is scheduled for June 11.
