Cortland Youth Bureau

Who Qualifies as a City of Cortland Resident?

As we continue program registration for the City of Cortland Youth Bureau, we often receive questions about residency status and what determines City vs. non-City rates. We hope the information below provides clarity.

What Makes You a City of Cortland Resident?

You are considered a City of Cortland resident if your primary home address is located within the official City of Cortland boundaries and you pay City property taxes (either directly as a homeowner or indirectly through rent).

City residency is determined strictly by your physical street address — not your mailing address, school district, or zip code.

Where Are the City Boundaries?

The Cortland has defined municipal borders that are separate from the surrounding Town of Cortlandville and other neighboring municipalities. If you live outside the city limits — even if your mailing address says “Cortland” — you are considered a non-City resident for program fee purposes.

Some important clarifications:

• Living in the Town of Cortlandville is not City residency.

• A “Cortland” zip code does not automatically mean you reside in the City.

• Residency is based solely on whether your home is located within the City’s municipal boundaries.

Why Does Residency Matter?

City recreation programs are funded through City taxpayer dollars. Resident fees are structured to reflect that financial contribution. Due to funding limitations, individuals who live outside City boundaries are charged a non-resident rate.

Not Sure About Your Residency?

If you are unsure whether your address falls within City limits, we encourage you to:

• Check your property tax bill

• Reach out to our office and we are happy to help verify

We appreciate your understanding and your continued support of City recreation programs.

Facility Rental Price Increase

Jim Partigianoni Scholarship Fund

*Effective 2/1/2023, new scholarship application and guidelines*

The Jim Partigianoni Scholarship fund is meant to assist those who would not normally be able to participate in recreation programs by supplementing the program fees with scholarship funds made available for Cortland County residents.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Must be a Cortland County resident

• Must be for a child between the ages of 6 months and 14 years

• Must meet the financial qualifications (can be found back of scholarship application)

APPLICATION

Applications are available at the CYB office, and online. Applications must be submitted prior to program registration, and include all required documentation. Applicants will be notified about scholarship status once reviewed. All funds are on a first come first serve basis. The CYB reserves the right to deny a scholarship. Approved scholarships are valid for one year from date of acceptance. 

DONATE

To make a donation to the Jim Partigianoni Scholarship fund and provide our youth the opportunity to participate in recreation, athletic, and art programs simply send a check to Cortland Youth Bureau, 35 Port Watson Street, Cortland, New York 13045 with ‘scholarship donation’ in the memo line. All donations will benefit youth in Cortland County directly. 

To view the application click here 

Late Fee's and Refund Requests

Late Fee Policy

Any registration after the start of the program will incur a $10 late fee charge. 

Program start date is listed in each program on RecDesk. 

Exception: Fun For Tots, ongoing program

Refund Policy

Any refund requested before the program begins will be granted a full refund, minus a $5 processing fee. 

Any refund requested after the program begins will be granted half the program fee, minus a $5 processing fee.