3/4/25 Tompkins County Legislature Meeting Highlights

Legislators Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) and Veronica Pillar (D-Ithaca) introduced a resolution advocating for increased state-level funding for supportive housing and crisis and mental health supports in emergency settings and opposing the Governor’s proposal for the expansion of the criteria for involuntary treatment. The resolution further calls for a statewide expansion of the Housing First model, harm reduction initiatives, and increased investment in community-based mental health services. The resolution was adopted 8-6 with Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing), Rich John (D-Ithaca), Mike Lane (D-Dryden), Mike Sigler (R-Lansing), Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton), and Dan Klein (D-Danby) opposed.  

Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) stated, “We have people who desperately want mental health services and treatment. Telling them that we don’t have the services for them, but someone else, who doesn’t really want the services, we make them go. That’s an absolute waste of services.” 

This action was preceded by the 5-9 defeat of a resolution introduced by Legislator Rich John (D-Ithaca), on the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, that supported the Governor’s proposal, which would increase the ability to use involuntary treatment. Susan Currie (D-Ithaca), Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing), Anne Koreman (D-Ulysses), Greg Mezey (D-Dryden), Veronica Pillar (D-Ithaca), Shawna Black (D-Ithaca), Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca), Randy Brown (R-Newfield), and Amanda Champion (D-Ithaca) were opposed. Several community members spoke out against this proposal during the public comment portion at the beginning of the meeting. 

Legislator Rich John (D-Ithaca) explained, “If someone seeks voluntary treatment for mental health or addiction issues, that is preferable. … For the very extreme segment of the population with a substantial inability to meet their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, or medical care, there may be a need to do something further.” 

Tompkins County Legislature is committed to financial oversight of the Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL) 

A resolution was introduced by Chair Dan Klein (D-Danby) and adopted unanimously by the Legislature that directs County resources to engage an auditing firm to conduct a forensic audit of the TCPL’s financial condition, records, processes, and controls. The County provides significant financial support for the TCPL, appoints the Library Board of Trustees, owns and maintains the buildings and facilities used by TCPL, and covers TCPL insurance. The resolution states that because of this substantial commitment and public investment by Tompkins County in the TCPL, the County takes its responsibility for monitoring the financial conditions of the TCPL very seriously to maintain public trust and ensure effective allocation of taxpayer funds. Members of the public have raised credible concerns regarding financial activities at TCPL. A forensic audit will provide an independent examination of TCPL’s past and current financial and operational practices to address the questions that have been raised. 

Dan Klein (D-Danby) stated, “There have been some questions about financing and accounting. It is our primary focus to steward public funds and make sure they are being used appropriately.” 

Other Business 

County Administrator Korsah Akumfi updated the Legislature on the current state of the Center of Government (COG) project. A consultant is performing a space analysis that will inform the space allocation for the departments slated to move into the new COG. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is performing the necessary reviews. This phase should be completed by the end of April.  

Discussions about Code Blue Shelter needs for 2026 have begun. The plan for a purpose-built shelter on Cherry Street is in the conceptual stage. The County is looking to partner with a provider to operate both shelters.  

The Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca), announced the formation of a working group to discuss future activities of the Office of Human Rights.  

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