Highlights of the 7/15/25 Tompkins County Legislature Meeting
Published on July 17, 2025
Updates to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy approved
Legislators approved updates to Administrative Policy 01-43, which governs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices within County operations. The policy, untouched since 2013, was brought forward with comprehensive updates developed through collaborative efforts involving the Workforce Development and Inclusion Committee (WDIC), Team JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), and County Administration.
According to Charlene Holmes, Chief Equity & Diversity Officer, the revised policy “codifies equity-focused strategies already in practice, including periodic workplace climate surveys, DEI training for staff, department-specific equity indicators, and alignment with the County’s Strategic Operations Plan and the Institutionalizing Equity Report.”
An amendment introduced by Legislator Amanda Champion (D-Ithaca) to remove a clause stating the policy would not be interpreted to favor individuals based on protected characteristics unless permitted by law was defeated 6-7, with Legislators Shawna Black (D-Ithaca), Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca), Amanda Champion (D-Ithaca), Anne Koreman (D-Ulysses, Enfield, Ithaca), Greg Mezey (D-Dryden), and Veronica Pillar (D-Ithaca) voting in favor. Legislators voting in favor of removing the amendment argued the disclaimer was unnecessary, overly cautious, and compromised the policy’s intent.
Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca) stated, “I’d rather fight for what’s right than avoid conflict by changing our values.”
Others warned that removing the clause could invite federal scrutiny and legal challenges:
Legislator Rich John (D-Ithaca) viewed it as a legal buffer: “If this ends up in court, this language helps. It clarifies intent.”
After extensive deliberation, the revised DEI policy was approved 11-2, with Legislators Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) and Rich John (D-Ithaca) opposed.
Minimum Wage Study authorized
A resolution authorizing contingency funding for a study to explore the impacts of establishing a countywide minimum wage that exceeds the New York State minimum was approved in a 10–3 vote, with Legislators Mike Sigler (R-Lansing), Rich John (D-Ithaca), and Mike Lane (D-Dryden) opposed.
The Legislature approved this study via a 2024 resolution. Legislators debated potential economic effects and legal preemption risks.
Legislator Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing, Cayuga Heights) argued for a measured investigation: “What it’s asking us to do is understand what the wage landscape in Tompkins County and the surrounding area is and if making a change would have any impact.”
Legislator Mike Lane (D-Dryden) raised concerns for small businesses: “This will be a real impediment to small businesses. If they’ve got to pay more money here than in Tioga County or Cortland, guess where they’re going to locate?”
Strategic Business Action Plan and Revenue Guarantee for Ithaca Tompkins International Airport approved
Legislators unanimously approved a Strategic Business Action Plan that focuses on three core strategic areas – air service development, revenue generation, and workforce & marketing ecosystems – that enable the airport to adapt to changing conditions while remaining aligned with its mission, vision, and values.
The airport was awarded a Small Community Air Service Development Program grant that included a stipulation that community partners would provide a revenue guarantee of up to $250,000 if the flight service did not meet its performance target in the first year. The Chamber of Commerce, Ithaca College, Cornell University, Ithaca Area Economic Development, and the County have each pledged $50,000 toward this goal. The Legislature approved the County’s portion unanimously.
Other Business
Tompkins County proclaimed July 2025 as Disability Pride Month, celebrating the gifts, experiences, and contributions of the disabled community, acknowledging the reality of the disabled experience, and recommitting to creating an inclusive community.
The Legislature unanimously confirmed the appointment of Brittanie Earle as Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, effective July 21, 2025. She will formally assume all legal authorities, duties, and responsibilities of the office as of August 1, 2025, and serve a five-year term.
“I am honored to serve and commit to lead with transparency, empathy, and action,” Brittanie Earle shared in her remarks accepting the appointment.
After a public hearing, legislators approved the Tompkins Cortland Community College proposed 2025-2026 operating budget of $35,185,275, of which Tompkins County’s total sponsoring community contribution will be $3,027,387, representing a 0% increase in the County’s sponsorship share this year.
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi reported that the County Administration and Human Resources departments have completed their relocation to Green Street. The planning for temporary spaces for the Board of Elections and Assessment departments are underway.
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