Highlights of the 3/19/26 Tompkins County Legislature meeting
Published on March 24, 2026
Watch meeting recording
Topics included:
- Chairs’ report
- Vietnam Veterans proclamation
- Flock camera working group
- Legal assistance for housing needs
- Paid caregiver leave policy
Chair’s report
Legislature Chair Shawna Black (D-Ithaca Town) recognized a recent loss in the community and highlighted the strong coordination among county departments and community partners in responding to the displacement of over one hundred Asteri residents, including county emergency response, social services, public & mental health services, and administration.
“Your empathy, compassion, long hours, and an unwavering commitment have been truly inspiring, not only to me, but to this entire legislature,” noted Legislator Black. “That level of urgency, coordination, and commitment does not go unnoticed.”
Vietnam Veterans proclamation
The legislature proclaimed March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, honoring the service and sacrifice of Vietnam-era veterans and acknowledging their lasting contributions to the community. Director of Veterans Services J.R. Clairborne and Terry Clark, representing and leadership team member of the American Legion Post 221, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 961, and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #377 received the proclamation.
“On behalf of all Vietnam veterans, we greatly appreciate that we've come to be not only respected, but appreciated for what we did,” said Clark.
Flock camera working group
Legislators discussed forming a working group to evaluate the continued use of Flock license plate reader cameras, emphasizing the importance of balancing public safety benefits with community concerns about privacy and data use.
“We do want to make sure that whatever direction we go in is what's best for the community,” commented Legislator Brooks, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, (D-Ithaca City, Town). “We want to protect the programs that have been established by the GIVE grant and hear some of the voices that we usually don't hear in this room … folks that live in neighborhoods that historically have had larger instances of violence.”
Legal assistance for housing needs
In response to the challenges that arose for Asteri residents due to the Order to Vacate, the legislature considered and approved a member-filed resolution allocating $50,000 from the contingent fund to support legal assistance for housing needs, aimed at helping residents navigate housing instability and access legal resources. Legislators emphasized the importance of proactive support to prevent displacement and ensure equitable access to housing protections.
“Access to legal support at critical moments can make the difference between stability and displacement,” said Legislator Black (D-Ithaca Town). “And we must do more to ensure that residents are not navigating these situations alone.”
Paid caregiver leave policy
Upon recommendation of the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion and the Budget, Capital and Personnel Committees, the legislature unanimously approved a resolution to direct county staff to develop a Paid Caregiver Leave Policy based on the Team Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) proposal.
Legislator Packman (D-Ithaca City) said, “It is important that we show that we are creating these opportunities for people so they don't have to choose between do I stay at my job or do I grow my family or do I care for a family member.”
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