2019 News Archives
After a public hearing, the Legislature, without dissent (Legislator Mike Sigler was excused), approved adoption of the 2019-2020 Tompkins Cortland Community College Operating Budget. The $35.7 million budget contains total sponsor support of $4,882,882, split between Tompkins and Cortland…
The Legislature adopted an updated Tompkins County Energy Strategy, one that is “intended to provide vision and leadership to move both county government operations and the overall community toward achieving net-zero emissions.” Adoption came by unanimous vote . with Legislator Mike Sigler excused…
The Legislature, by unanimous vote (Legislator Mike Sigler was excused) scheduled for its next meeting August 20th, 5:30 p.m., a public hearing on whether the County should seek State authorization to allow the use of rifles within Tompkins County for deer and bear hunting. The hearing will be…
The Tompkins County Legislature began its meeting mourning of the lives lost in this year’s U.S. mass shootings, including the most recent, two that occurred only hours apart, in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. Before asking that all observe a moment of silence, Legislature Chair Martha Robertson…
The Legislature, by unanimous vote (Legislator Mike Sigler was excused) passed a resolution urging Governor Cuomo to convene a task force, involving assessors, real property appraisers, and real property tax attorneys, charged with reviewing what changes, if any, should be enacted to provide more…
The Tompkins County Legislature paid tribute to Army Sergeant James G. Johnston, of Trumansburg, approving by unanimous vote (Legislator Mike Sigler was excused) a resolution of commemoration honoring Sgt. Johnston, who died while on active duty in Afghanistan on June 25, 2019, from injuries…
The Legislature considered, but failed to support, moving ahead with an in-depth feasibility study to gather more information on the potential to establish a joint City-County public safety facility. The proposed study would have delved deeper into findings of a preliminary study by Kingsbury…
The first known case of Powassan virus in 2019, a rare tick-borne infection, was reported in New York State earlier this week. A resident of Ulster County died after contracting this disease. The virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild, flu-like symptoms to life threatening encephalitis (…
From Dr. William Klepack, Medical Director, Tompkins County Health Department
On June 13, 2019 Governor Cuomo signed legislation that removed non-medical exemptions from school vaccination requirements for children. This means parents or guardians may no longer claim any exemption other than a…
The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) was informed that a release from the Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant at 951 East Shore Drive was discovered late last night. The discharge was stopped by approximately 3:30 a.m. this morning. It is estimated that approximately 1000 gallons of…