Highlights of the 10/06/26 Tompkins County Legislature meeting
Published on October 19, 2026
Watch the meeting recording on YouTube
Jump to specific agenda item discussions – click ‘Media’ on the Meeting Portal
Topics included:
- Community Justice Center contract extended
- Capital funding for TC3 appropriated
- Youth deer hunting pilot program approved
- Tax exemptions for Cornell-owned fraternity properties to be examined
- Call for changes to New York's sexual assault laws
- Proclamation of Indigenous Peoples' Day
- Public hearings
Legislature approves two-year extension for Community Justice Center
Following an extended discussion, legislators voted to approve a resolution continuing the county’s support (up to $100,000 annually) through 2027 for the Community Justice Center (CJC), with amendments introduced by Legislator Dawson (D-Lansing, Ithaca Town). Dawson questioned whether the CJC's current activities aligned with its original purpose and proposed shortening the contract from three to two years and requiring a review of CJC’s work.
The CJC is part of the county's Reimagining Public Safety initiative, established to advance reforms intended to build trust, address disparities, and improve relationships between law enforcement and the community. The discussion focused on the CJC's future, the appropriate length of its authorization, and how its work should be evaluated.
Legislator Pillar (D-Ithaca City) advocated for a 3-year commitment, explaining that relationship-building work takes time and that short funding horizons can undermine stability.
The final amended resolution passed 14-1, with Legislator Sigler (R-Lansing) voting against it.
Legislature approves additional support for Tompkins Cortland Community College
The legislature unanimously approved a $251,100 capital funding appropriation for Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3), following discussion of the college's financial needs. The appropriation was proposed to come from the county's 2026 contingent fund rather than the upcoming 2027 budget.
Legislator Mezey (D-Dryden) said, “I think we've seen quite the return on investment in our community college.”
Legislator Wakeman (D-Dryden) asked about the remaining balance in the county's contingent fund. County Administrator Akumfi reported that approximately $833,900 remained in the county's 2026 contingent fund following the meeting's appropriations.
Legislature extends youth deer hunting pilot program
The legislature held a public hearing on proposed Local Law No. E of 2026, which would extend the youth deer hunting pilot program through December 31, 2028. Speakers supported continuing the program, citing opportunities for young people to learn hunting skills under adult supervision and concerns about the local deer population.
Following the public hearing, the legislature voted 13-2 to adopt Local Law No. E of 2026, extending the youth deer hunting pilot program for 12- and 13-year-olds.
Legislator Hubbard (D-Ithaca City, Town) spoke in support of the program, describing the opportunity for young people to learn hunting skills under adult supervision and connect with the outdoors.
Legislator Packman (D-Ithaca City) expressed concerns about firearm safety among younger hunters. “I'm reluctant to put guns in children's hands,” she said, arguing that young people could participate in outdoor activities and accompany experienced hunters without using firearms themselves.
Legislators Packman and Black (D-Ithaca Town) voted against the local law. Legislators also discussed the possibility of making the program permanent through a future local law rather than continuing to renew it periodically.
County Attorney to examine tax exemptions for Cornell-owned fraternity properties
The legislature unanimously directed County Attorney Maury Josephson to examine whether Cornell University-owned fraternity and other Greek-letter organization properties should qualify for property tax exemptions.
Josephson explained that university ownership does not necessarily mean such properties are automatically exempt. He referenced an earlier court decision involving Cornell and said his office could review the relevant law and provide arguments both for taxation and continued exemption.
Legislator Hubbard (D-Ithaca City, Town) raised concerns about the current treatment of these properties. Legislators also discussed whether assessments accurately reflect property values and how the analysis should account for different types of university-owned Greek-letter housing. The action authorizes a legal review; it does not immediately change the tax status of any property.
Legislature calls for changes to New York's sexual assault laws
The legislature unanimously adopted a resolution introduced by Legislator Vinson (D-Ithaca City) calling on New York state lawmakers to change the legal definition of mental incapacitation as it relates to sexual assault and consent.
Vincent explained that the existing statutory language distinguishes between intoxication caused by substances administered without a person's consent and voluntary intoxication. The resolution urges state lawmakers to address circumstances in which a person may be too impaired to consent, regardless of how the intoxicating substance was consumed.
County Administrator provides Code Blue and finance updates
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi reported that preparations were underway for the upcoming Code Blue season. The Cherry Street shelter is expected to begin seasonal operations on November 15. However, the Department of Social Services must provide emergency shelter when temperatures, including wind chill, fall below 32 degrees, even before the seasonal opening.
Akumfi explained that hotel accommodations would be used for individuals seeking shelter during isolated cold-weather nights before November 15. The county continues to coordinate staffing and operational arrangements for the seasonal shelter.
On the finance side, he announced the hiring of a procurement specialist, an accelerated review of financial policies, and continued efforts to recruit a permanent finance director.
County Attorney reports on room tax collections
County Attorney Maury Josephson reported on outstanding hotel room occupancy taxes and ongoing collection efforts. He said the county was pursuing litigation against TFI Enterprises LLC, operator of the Inn at Taughannock Falls, seeking approximately $194,129 in unpaid taxes, interest, and penalties covering portions of 2021 through 2025.
Josephson explained that the county had sought summary judgment and was continuing efforts to recover the outstanding amount. Legislators discussed available enforcement tools, including legal judgments and removal of delinquent establishments from tourism promotional listings.
Other legislative actions
The legislature also unanimously reappointed Stephen DeWitt as Democratic election commissioner for the 2027-28 term.
The consent agenda included a Whole Health budget adjustment, acceptance of a state transportation-related report, authorization for methadone services in the Sheriff's Office Corrections Division, and renewal of a five-year contract with Axon for Sheriff's Office equipment and services. A separate proposal concerning a local law was withdrawn from the consent agenda for further committee consideration.
Legislators also discussed the Sheriff's Office camera systems and requested additional information about the equipment, data storage, and related policies at a future Public Safety Committee meeting.
The legislature unanimously approved a contingent fund appropriation to support Tompkins County Whole Health's rabies post-exposure treatment program. The discussion highlighted the unpredictable nature of demand for these treatments and the need for the department to respond when residents require protection following potential exposure to rabies.
Proclamation
The Tompkins County Legislature proclaimed October 12, 2026, as Indigenous Peoples' Day, recognizing the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples, including those whose ancestral lands are now part of Tompkins County. The proclamation referenced the legislature's 2018 decision to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day as a county holiday and emphasized the importance of acknowledging Indigenous peoples as contemporary communities whose contributions continue today.
Public hearings
Legislators unanimously approved scheduling a public hearing concerning the Monroe Balancing Test for the county's emergency shelter at 654 Elmira Road in the Town of Ithaca. The hearing is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., ahead of the legislature's next regular meeting. County Attorney Josephson explained that the additional public hearing would provide an opportunity for discussion before the legislature decides whether to accept the analysis. The county has been coordinating with the Town of Ithaca regarding the process and questions about code enforcement responsibilities.
Legislators also scheduled a public hearing on the proposed 2027 County Budget and 2027-31 Capital Program for October 27, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
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