N.Y. Police Union Pushes Back Against Possible Layoffs

A police union petition is gaining traction as Auburn officials weigh layoffs to address a multi-million-dollar deficit, a move the union says could undo years of crime reduction progress.

By Robert Harding

Source The Citizen, Auburn, N.Y.

March 31, 2026

3 min read

What to know

The union representing Auburn’s police officers is opposing potential layoffs proposed in the city’s preliminary 2026–27 budget and is urging residents to sign a petition that has drawn more than 1,000 signatures.
City officials say police layoffs are among options under discussion as Auburn seeks to close a nearly $5 million budget deficit, though no final decisions have been made.
The police chief is scheduled to present his department’s budget on April 9, with public hearings and a final City Council vote expected in late May and early June.

Auburn Police Union 195 — An Auburn police union's petition is objecting to potential officer layoffs in the city’s preliminary 2026–27 budget.

AUBURN, NY—The union representing the city's police officers is pushing back against proposed layoffs with social media posts and a petition that has already received more than 1,000 signatures.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Auburn Police Local 195 urged supporters to sign the petition and "prevent these reckless decisions from being made." Subsequent posts highlight news coverage of major crimes that occurred in the city.

Without proper staffing, the union says, "these incidents don't slow down... they multiply."

The petition was created by AFSCME Public Safety, a branch of a national public employees' union that consists of law enforcement officers, on behalf of Auburn Police Local 195. It is directed at Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino, Auburn City Manager Jenny Haines and the City Council.

The police union is responding to the city's preliminary 2026-27 budget, which presented three scenarios for addressing a nearly $5 million deficit. One alternative would eliminate 32 full-time and 20 part-time jobs, while another would cut 22 full-time and 20 part-time positions. In both instances, the city would reduce hours for four full-time positions.

A third option is to increase the property tax levy by 27.46% and not make cuts to city departments.

Haines confirmed in an email to The Citizen that police layoffs will be discussed during the budget process. However, she added that a final decision has not been made. Auburn Police Chief Matthew Androsko is scheduled to deliver his budget presentation at the City Council meeting on April 9.

According to the petition shared by Auburn Police Local 195, seven officers could be laid off.

"Slashing Auburn's police force is a dangerous step backward," the union states. "Between 2020 and 2024, our officers helped bring down violent crime by 33%. We cannot afford to put that progress at risk by gutting the very department that makes this city safer."

The union is asking the city to withdraw the potential layoffs and protect two recruits who are in the police academy. The petition also urges city officials to "prioritize public safety as a core function that all other city services depend on."

Auburn's budget process will continue in April with presentations from department heads. In May, the City Council will provide feedback and Haines will present a revised budget.

A public hearing will be held on May 28, with a final City Council vote scheduled for June 4.

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