Highlights of the 5/5 and 4/21/26 Tompkins County Legislature meetings
Published on May 07, 2026
Watch the 5/5 meeting recording on YouTube
Watch the 4/21 meeting recording on YouTube
Watch discussions on agenda items on the Meeting Portal
Resolutions included:
- Building Safety and Lake Friendly Awareness Proclamations
- Homeless shelter application
- ARPA funds reallocation
- Lease amendment for solar canopy
- Creation of Human Rights Program Manager position
- Adoption of the Tompkins County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
Proclamations
The legislature proclaimed May 2026 Building Safety Month, raising awareness to improve building safety, resilience, and economic investment at home and in the community, and to acknowledge the essential service provided to all of us by local and state building departments, fire prevention bureaus and federal agencies in protecting lives and property.
May was also declared Lake Friendly Awareness Month, recognizing the important work of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, Owasco Lake Watershed Association, Owasco Lake Management Council, and the Lake Friendly Living Coalition of the Finger Lakes in their efforts to protect and restore their respective lakes and watersheds.
Resolutions approved on 4/21/26
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi emphasized the urgency of securing state funding quickly due to the competitive process and the continued need for stable shelter capacity. Legislator Pillar (D-Ithaca City) noted the importance of timing, stating the county must be ready “to submit as soon as that portal opens because these funds are first-come, first-served.” An award announcement is expected in the fall. If awarded, the site would continue serving as a Code Blue location for the next two seasons, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028 and completion in fall 2029. More information on this project can be found on the county website: Emergency Shelter Construction Project.
Operations of the Code Blue cold weather shelter and daytime warming center at 227 Cherry Street ended on the morning of May 5. Thereafter, unhoused individuals may contact the Department of Social Services for temporary housing assistance and placement. The county thanks Volunteers of America Upstate for a positive first season of operation and community partners for providing on-site services.
Discussion focused on ensuring remaining ARPA funds that were not able to be spent during the required timeframe are directed toward eligible contracts, meeting federal deadlines for obligation and expenditure.
Discussion focused on necessary adjustments to advance the project, located at 55 Brown Road, including coordination with utility requirements and site logistics, to keep the project moving while working through the practical realities of installation.
The legislature supported restructuring to strengthen coordination, outreach, and accountability within the Office of Human Rights following recent operational challenges. County Administrator Korsah Akumfi explained the intent of the position is to “focus on education, outreach, and making sure residents still have a clear place to go for support.” The position has been posted. Applications can be submitted until May 24.
Director of Emergency Management Michael Stitley highlighted the importance of maintaining a coordinated and up-to-date framework for emergency response across departments and partners, and described the plan as a roadmap for how the county and partners respond together when emergencies happen in the community.
Resolutions calling for state action
Support of New York State Assembly Bill A10060-A, The Opioid Overdose Health Education and Naloxone Access Bill (approved unanimously on 5/5)
Urging the State Legislature to Amend New York's In Rem Foreclosure Law to Relieve Counties of the Rising Costs of Holding Other Municipalities Harmless for Unpaid Real Property Taxes (approved with amendment 13-2, with Legislators Mezey (D-Dryden) and Bianconi (D-Ithaca Town) opposed on 5/5)
Urging the Governor and the State Legislature to Preserve the County Medicaid Cap and Provide Counties with the Financial and Administrative Resources Necessary to Implement Federal Safety Net Changes Under H.R.1 (approved unanimously on 4/21)
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