AUBURN, NY (607NewsNow) – Cayuga County government is moving on from its previous home.

On June 4, the Cayuga County Legislature approved an agreement for long-term operations at the Garden Street facility in Auburn, effectively closing the door on a return to the Cayuga County Office Building.

Located on Genesee Street, that building has been closed since being damaged in a storm in 2024. The storm led to water damage and asbestos contamination. Officials estimate remediation will cost roughly $9 million, with additional renovation costs between $50 million and $60 million.

“Faced with the prospect of investing nearly $70 million into the County Office Building, I believed we had an obligation to carefully evaluate alternatives,” said Legislative Chair Jonathan Anna. “After extensive review, I concluded that Garden Street represents the most practical, affordable, and sustainable solution presented to the Legislature.”

Anna adds that the agreement represents the first step in a lengthy process and opens up private investment opportunities at the Genesee Street building.