Highlights of the June 2026 Tompkins County Legislature meetings
Published on June 17, 2026
Watch the 6/16 meeting recording on YouTube
Watch the 6/2 meeting recording on YouTube
Jump to discussions on specific agenda items on the Meeting Portal
Topics included:
- Center of Government project update
- Tompkins Cortland Community College budget presentation
- Administration shared operational updates
- Finance reported sales tax growth
- Actions taken:
- Legislature authorizes potential tax cap override
- Legislature advances state advocacy measures
- Infrastructure actions
- Proclamations: Juneteenth, 2SLGBTQI+ Pride Month, Women Veterans Month
- Recognitions: Josh Nalley and Harlin McEwen
Center of Government project update
Legislators received an update on the Center of Government project, including building layouts, accessibility considerations, departmental space planning, and future use of the Old Jail and Courthouse facilities. In March, the legislature directed the project team to return to the June 2025 resolution specifications, which authorized a Center of Government project of about 45,000 square feet with a cap of up to $50 million, including related renovations to other county buildings.
The updated proposal does not include County Administration, Human Resources, and the Department of Planning and Sustainability (DPS) in the new building. County Administration and Human Resources would return to the Old Jail, and DPS would stay at the Daniel D. Tompkins Building.
Legislator Brown (R-Newfield, Enfield) questioned the proposed location of specific departments and whether staff and public accessibility needs were being fully considered before final decisions are made.
The project team emphasized that accessibility was a primary factor in current space assignments, building layouts remain flexible, and that departmental assignments may evolve before construction is completed.
Legislator Mezey (D-Dryden) cautioned that any additional design changes requested by legislators at this stage of the project would increase project costs and cause potential delays.
A request for proposals for construction services, which will include the deconstruction of buildings currently on Tioga and Buffalo Streets, is estimated to be released in late October.
TC3 presents the proposed 2026–27 budget
President Amy Kremenek and Tompkins Cortland Community College leadership presented the college's proposed operating and capital budgets for 2026–27.
Highlights included no proposed increase in student tuition or fees; projected enrollment growth of approximately 5%; a county capital request of $251,100, which would leverage a matching state contribution; and planned investments in learning environment upgrades, technology improvements, deferred maintenance projects, and campus accessibility improvements.
Legislators also heard from a current TC3 student, who shared their experience returning to college while experiencing homelessness and raising their son as a single parent. They credited TC3 staff and support services with helping them secure housing and continuing their education.
Legislators asked about long-term enrollment trends, operating sustainability, and how the college is balancing affordability with growing facility and technology needs.
The legislature later authorized a public hearing for the TC3 operating and capital budget at the July 21 legislature meeting at 5:30 pm.
Legislature authorizes potential tax cap override
Legislators adopted a local law that preserves the county’s ability to exceed the property tax levy set by the State during the development of the 2027 budget if circumstances require it later in the year. County officials emphasized that adoption of the law does not increase taxes or commit the legislature to exceeding the cap; it simply preserves the option during budget development.
Legislator Pillar (D-Ithaca City) stated the measure preserves flexibility.
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi noted that passing the law now ensures sufficient time for state review while preserving all future budget choices.
Legislator Mezey (D-Dryden) opposed the measure, arguing it weakens budget discipline and the legislature could revisit the issue later in the budget cycle if necessary.
The local law was adopted by the required supermajority vote of 10-6, with Legislators Bianconi (D-Ithaca Town), Brooks (D-Ithaca City, Town), Brown (R-Newfield, Enfield), Mezey (D-Dryden), Shurtleff (R-Groton, Dryden), and Sigler (R-Lansing) opposed.
County Administrator provides operational updates
Akumfi also noted that staff are reviewing the recently adopted New York State budget to assess impacts on county funding and planning for the 2027 budget cycle. While no significant reductions have been identified, departments are evaluating several areas of flat funding and funding opportunities.
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi reported that recruitment for the County's Human Rights Program Manager position had generated strong interest, with more than 37 eligible applications received. A review panel is being assembled.
The county's legal assistance funding program was launched and will take applications from eligible legal services providers until July 17. Review the press release for more information and an application link.
The relocation of the County Office for the Aging (COFA) office to the Dutch Mill Road facility is planned for early July. Future occupancy planning for the Board of Elections in the current COFA space is underway.
Finance report shows continued sales tax growth
Finance Director Darrel Tuttle reported that countywide sales tax collections for April totaled approximately $6.9 million, representing a 12.28% increase over April 2025. Year-to-date collections were up 5.72% compared to the same period last year.
Legislature advances state advocacy measures
Resolution Calling on the New York State Legislature to Pass Senate Bill S3425 and Assembly Bill A1466 and Establish the New York Health Act Before the End of the 2026 Legislative Session passed 13-2 with Legislators Sigler (R-Lansing) and Shurtleff (R-Groton, Dryden) opposed.
Legislator Sigler (R-Lansing) introduced a resolution calling on the New York State Assembly and Senate to advance legislation that would fully cover cancer treatment costs in the 2027 State Budget. The measure was approved 11-4 with Legislators Hubbard (D-Ithaca City, Town), Pillar (D-Ithaca City), Packman (D-Ithaca City), and Black (D-Ithaca Town) opposed.
Legislator Sigler (R-Lansing) introduced a second resolution supporting state legislation sponsored by Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles that would extend authorization for rifle hunting of big game in Tompkins County through 2028. The resolution was approved 13-2 with Legislators Black (D-Ithaca Town) and Packman (D-Ithaca City) opposed.
Infrastructure actions
The legislature approved the creation of Transportation Planner positions within the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC). Legislators noted that the positions are primarily supported through state and federal transportation funding sources.
Legislators also approved funding for the implementation of a countywide vehicle telematics system. The technology will allow departments to better monitor vehicle usage, maintenance needs, fleet replacement planning, and operational efficiency. Legislators noted that the system may help reduce maintenance costs and improve data-driven fleet management decisions.
Proclamations
The legislature proclaimed June as Pride Month in Tompkins County and recognized the work of the Ithaca Pride Alliance and local LGBTQ+ advocates. Notably, Tompkins County was one of the first counties in the State of New York to pass a local law in 1991 to protect against discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, and was at the forefront of marriage equality. The proclamation was presented to the Grand Marshal and Pride Festival Director, Luca Maurer.
Legislators also proclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth in Tompkins County and encouraged residents to participate in community celebrations commemorating emancipation and African American history. The proclamation was received by the youth of the Southside Community Center, which has supported and empowered the Black American residents of this region for the past 90 years, from the heart of the historically Black Southside neighborhood in Ithaca, and will host their annual Juneteenth Festival block party on Saturday, June 20.
The Legislature proclaimed June 12 as Women's Veterans Recognition Day in Tompkins County, honoring the service and sacrifices of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and noting the anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, which granted women the right to serve as permanent members of the U.S. military. The proclamation recognized Tompkins County staff veterans, including Legislator Deborah Dawson, U.S. Army; Clerk of the Legislature Katrina McCloy, U.S. Navy; Deputy Director of the Department of Emergency Response Jessica Verfuss, U.S. Navy; Administration Budget Analyst Victoria Kendall, U.S. Navy; and Veterans Services Information Aide Michelle Baker, U.S. Army. The proclamation was accepted by Michelle Baker, along with Jada Hamilton and Susan Herson, two female U.S. Navy veterans.
Recognitions
The legislature recognized Josh Nalley, Ithaca Tompkins International Airport Fire Chief and Deputy Director, for receiving the Lansing Fire Department's 2025 Firefighter of the Year Award and for his longstanding volunteer service to the community.
Legislators also recognized Harlin McEwen for decades of public safety leadership and his continued volunteer service supporting county emergency communications efforts.
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