Highlights of the 1/20/26 Tompkins County Legislature meeting
Published on January 23, 2026
Newly elected chair presented the State of the County address and announced 2026 committee assignments
Chair Shawna Black delivered the State of the County address, highlighting the county's current status, its accomplishments in 2025, and how shared priorities are shaping the year ahead.
“Tonight, I’m honored to share the State of Tompkins County. I am confident in saying: The state of this County is strong, resilient, and determined.
Strong because the strength of this County comes not from one single person, but from our collective commitment, especially the commitment of this Legislature and the dedicated County staff who turn policy into real-world impact - every single day.
Resilient because even with rising costs, housing pressures, federal uncertainties, and growing service demands, Tompkins County continues to deliver. The story of this past year is one of dedicated public servants, strong partnerships, and a clear commitment to serve all of our community members.
Determined because we stand by our values of respect, accountability, integrity, equity, and stewardship. A few weeks ago, we welcomed eight new legislators to this body alongside eight returning members. That infusion of fresh perspectives, energy, and lived experience has already deepened our deliberations, sharpened our questions, and strengthened our ability to make difficult decisions with integrity and care.”
Read the full transcript
View the video recording
Chair Black announced committee assignments and chair appointments for 2026 and the respective meeting times, effective February 1.
Legislature appointed the new County Historian
Following a search process and a recommendation by the county administrator, the legislature unanimously appointed Charles Githler (pictured) as the new County Historian. Mr. Githler taught American History for 17 years at Newfield Middle and High School. He served as a board member of the Newfield Historical Society and is a current trustee of The History Center in Tompkins County. He succeeds Carol Kammen, who served in this role for over two decades and retired at the end of 2025.
“We are delighted to welcome our newly appointed County Historian, whose deep commitment to preserving and interpreting the rich history of Tompkins County will be an invaluable asset to our community,” stated County Administrator Korsah Akumfi. “The County Historian plays a vital role in safeguarding our county’s historical records, enhancing public access to archives and primary sources, and working collaboratively with municipal historians, local organizations, and residents to ensure our shared history is thoughtfully documented and accessible to all. At a time when several historical projects are underway, this appointment marks an important step in strengthening our civic infrastructure and honoring the stories that define who we are as a community. I look forward to the leadership and insight our new Historian will bring to the position.”
County administration shared 2025 departmental achievements
The county administrator and deputies presented highlights of the critical work county departments accomplished in 2025.
Organizational achievements included filling key positions, such as Commissioners of Whole Health, Department of Social Services, as well as Finance and Highway Directors. The county secured grant funding that reduced the local cost burden, including for the Assigned Counsel program, assessment system modernization, supporting young parents at DSS, expanded GIVE funding for public safety and probation initiatives, federal funding for the airport, and for food-waste reduction. The Planning Department awarded grants for affordable housing projects through the Community Housing Development Fund.
Departments worked diligently to make their services more accessible, including expanding community-based mental health services at Whole Health and family-centered case management at DSS. The county expanded services for older adults, veterans, and youth, Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress programs for first responders, and the CARE team co-response model. The county also opened the Code Blue shelter on Cherry Street and contracted with an experienced provider for day-to-day operations.
Infrastructure projects also advanced across the county. From Highway, to Facilities and ITS, 911 Center renovations, green facilities projects, and at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, where direct service to Washington Dulles was restored in 2025.
View the video recording
Review the presentation slides(PDF, 30MB)
Legislators thanked the “incredible staff” (Legislator Mezey, D-Dryden) who “made all this happen” (Legislator Pillar, D-Ithaca City) and praised the “mission-driven work” (Legislator Packman, D-Ithaca City).
Other business
Legislator Dawson (D-Lansing, Ithaca Town) presented a Resolution Requesting New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to Reject the Modified Water Withdrawal Permit Application from Cayuga Operating Company, LLC and Instead Require a New Application and Environmental Review Process. A large number of individuals in support of the resolution filled the legislative chambers that evening.
Speakers expressed concern that the proposed AI data center in the Town of Lansing represents a significant change from the former coal-fired power plant and should not be allowed to proceed under an existing or modified water withdrawal permit. Speakers cited risks to Cayuga Lake from the proposed project, including potential thermal pollution, harmful algal blooms, chemical contamination, harm to aquatic ecosystems, and long-term impacts on wildlife and drinking water. Many questioned the accuracy and transparency of the applicant’s claims regarding closed-loop cooling and water use, noting conflicting statements and permit filings that suggest large-scale withdrawals could occur. Additional concerns included increased electricity demand leading to higher energy costs for residents, noise pollution, climate impacts, and inadequate oversight or accountability by state regulators. Overall, commenters urged a full environmental review, a new water withdrawal permit, and stronger protections to ensure public resources are not compromised and costs are not shifted onto the community.
Most legislators spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and the need for a new water withdrawal permit and modern environmental review given the site’s proposed shift from a retired coal plant to a high-intensity data center. Supporters stressed that the county lacks land-use authority but has a responsibility to urge the DEC to apply current environmental standards, particularly to protect Cayuga Lake.
Legislator Weiser (D-Caroline, Danby) urged colleagues to hold DEC accountable, “Given the age of the permit, the absence of modern monitoring requirements, the lack of reliable historical withdrawal data, and the material change in use, there is no regulatory or environmental justification for treating this as a mere modification.”
Legislator Sigler (R-Lansing) cautioned, “I think you’re rolling the dice on this. I think this resolution might open the door for DEC to open up the existing license to other uses.”
The legislature approved the resolution with 14 votes in favor, 1 opposed (Legislator Sigler, R-Lansing), and 1 recusal (Legislator Wakeman, D-Dryden).
Special meeting set for January 26
Chair Black announced a special meeting of the legislature for January 26 at 5:30 pm, which will consist solely of an executive session.
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