Highlights of the 2/4/2025 Meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature

Published on February 10, 2025

Proclamation of February as Black History Month

A proclamation was read recognizing the significance of February as Black History Month in Tompkins County. Special honors were given to local Black historical figures: civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy Cotton, Pulitzer Prize winner Alex Haley, Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison, and Ruth Carol Taylor (the first black flight attendant in the United States), among others. The Pan-African flag will be flown on all County flagpoles during Black History Month.

Addressing Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Activity in Tompkins County

Public comment was heard in response to ICE activity that occurred in Ithaca last week. A letter was read by a community member with over 200 signatures from County residents, in support of Sheriff Osborne and the County in the face of federal pressures. Ithaca City Common Council representatives shared that they will be reaffirming the City of Ithaca’s Sanctuary City status at Common Council meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

County Attorney Maury Josephson shared statements that had been put forth to the media following the Department of Justice’s press release to clarify NYS laws and local policies were followed: “The Sheriff and his staff acted consistently with New York State law and judicial decisions, County policy, guidance of the New York Attorney General’s Office, and guidance of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. There was no interference with federal immigration enforcement efforts. DOJ’s assertion that the Tompkins County Sheriff did anything to put federal law enforcement officers in danger is false and offensive. The safety of all law enforcement is our top priority. In contrast, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were notified of when the individual in question was going to be released and had every opportunity to come to the jail to obtain the individual in question without any need for a pursuit or other incident.”

Many legislators thanked their constituents for being active with expressing concerns. Legislator Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) reminded the community of the resolution passed by the County Legislature in 2017, to Maintain a Safe, Inclusive Government and Ensure the Protection, Order, Conduct, Safety, Health, and Well-Being of All Persons in Tompkins County. Attorney Josephson reiterated how this resolution informs county staff on appropriate steps to take when encountering federal law enforcement within work-place settings.

Resolution to Arm Probation Officers Returns to Legislative Floor

A resolution was brought forth by Chair of the Public Safety Committee Rich John (D-Ithaca) to arm designated Probation Officers when responding to high-risk situations. Originally brought forth in September 2024, the resolution was revised following community engagement sessions to include language advising when probation officers would be armed, when the officer may need to carry concealed vs. carry openly and calls for use of psychological testing for officers who would carry arms, similar to those taken by law enforcement officers. The resolution carried 12-2 following discussion, with an amendment to develop a parallel policy for the use of body cameras for armed probation officers when engaged in field work. The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services will need to approve any policy set forth by the TC Legislature before implementation.

Among other business

Chair Dan Klein (D-Danby) spoke to concerns that have been regularly brought forth during public comment, regarding the emergency shelter system and operations, noting that there are laws that limit legislators’ ability to address individual issues of concern. Klein shared that reported concerns have been addressed and applauded efforts of County staff for their work in ensuring the Code Blue Emergency Shelter remains operational. Klein stated, “They do very difficult work but are publicly scolded on a regular basis.... To our staff who support our shelter system, I want to say that I am proud of the work you do and grateful. I am sorry that you must regularly be subjected to public scolding as a condition of your employment.”

Legislator Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing) provided a report from TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit). Challenges with staffing were cited as causing reduction of service routes, leading to reduction in fare collection. The report shares concerns about potential changes in federal and state funding (which contribute to over half of TCAT’s operating budget). Shawna Black (D-Ithaca), Susan Currie (D-Ithaca), and Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing) have been recommended to represent the County on TCAT’s board this year.

Chair Klein (D-Danby) shared that Tompkins County Whole Health’s Community Health Survey is underway through the end of the month of February. Klein encouraged all county residents ages 18+ to participate in taking the survey. Learn more online at TCWH’s website.

Monika Salvage, new Tompkins County Communications Director, was introduced. Monika began employment with County Administration this week and will spearhead communication efforts across county departments, continuing efforts of transparency and engagement set forth by their predecessor.

Infrastructure and Facilities Committee Chair Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton) presented a resolution authorizing the County to accept Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds for Clean Energy Tax Credit, slotted to be used for green fleet and green facilities capital program. The funding was promised for 2024 but has not yet been received. The resolution carried unanimously. A related resolution was brought forth by Anne Koreman (D-Ulysses), asking Congress to preserve all local government clean energy tax credits that were ensured under the 2022 IRA. This additional resolution carried 12-2, with Randy Brown (R-Newfield) and Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) opposed.

Resolution authorizing the Department of Emergency Response to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Department of Emergency Response regarding sharing of equipment that would be used to respond to a major flood event. Rich John (D-Ithaca) stated, “A major flood event is one of the biggest natural disaster public safety issues we are likely to face in the near future and having this equipment would make us far better able to respond.” Motion carried unanimously.

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