Highlights of the 4/1/25 Tompkins County Legislature Meeting
Published on April 04, 2025
Special election scheduled for June 24
Per the County Charter, the Tompkins County Legislature set the date for a special election to fill the seat of Susan Currie (District 3 – City of Ithaca), who has resigned her position effective March 31, 2025. The special election will be held on June 24, coinciding with the primary elections. The successful candidate will fill the seat for the remainder of this year. The Tompkins County Board of Elections will soon provide more detailed information for voters.
Susan Currie provided a brief farewell and thank-you message to legislators, staff, and the public. “I wanted to thank every member of the Legislature and everyone who works at the County. You do awesome work. It was an honor to serve with you,” Currie remarked. “I had my first day as the interim Director of the Tompkins County Public Library. I am a librarian, and I am glad to be back.”
Fast-charging electrical vehicle charging stations coming to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport
Chair of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton) introduced a resolution that paves the way for a partnership with Greenspot to install two fast-charging electrical vehicle charging stations at the airport. Legislator Shurtleff stated, “There is only one other fast-charging station in the county. The contract allows for 5% of the revenue that is generated to support airport operations.” The resolution was unanimously approved.
April declared Fair Housing Month in Tompkins County
Chair of the Legislature Dan Klein presented a proclamation confirming Tompkins County’s commitment to fair and equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents. The proclamation was received by Kira Fritzky-Randolph (President, Ithaca Board of Realtors), Jala Bayo (Chair, Ithaca Board of Realtor’s Fair Housing, Sustainability, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee), and Paul Rossi (Government Affairs Field Representative, NYS Association of Realtors).
Other Business
County Administrator Korsah Akumfi reported to the Legislature that the Code Blue Shelter will close on April 15. Department of Social Services staff will work with clients who have utilized the shelter this season to find alternate sheltering resources. If the temperature dips below 32 degrees after April 15, individuals will still be able to access shelter under Code Blue parameters. He also shared that a request for qualifications to partner with the County to develop and operate the newly built emergency shelter will be published next week.
Akumfi further stated that no immediate impact from potential federal funding cuts has been reported for county programs and services. County Administration and department heads will continue to monitor developments and inform legislators and the public when appropriate.
Finance Director Lorrie Scarrott reported that sales tax receipts for February 2025 have increased by 7.6% compared to February 2024.
Legislator Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) introduced a resolution calling on the New York State for an independent audit of NYS Electric & Gas (NYSEG) billing practices due to numerous complaints about inaccurate billing reported by residents and businesses. Legislator Black noted, “I think it’s scary for families and individuals. There are no checks and balances.”
Chair of the Legislature Dan Klein (D-Ithaca) provided longevity certificates to celebrate the long-standing service of Katrina McCloy (Clerk of the Legislature, 10 years), Legislator Rich John (D-Ithaca, 10 years), and Legislator Mike Sigler (R-Lansing, 15 years).
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