Published on February 21, 2025
The County’s inaugural Institutionalizing Equity report was adopted by the full Legislature in a 10-3 vote (Randy Brown (R-Newfield), Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton), and Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) opposed). The vote was preceded by a robust discussion on the importance of data collection and equity indicators for future decision-making. The report solidifies the County’s commitment to embedding equity across all areas of the county government and offers a clear framework for each department to develop, implement, and sustain practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the County’s workforce and community services. It aligns with Tompkins County’s Strategic Operations Plan, ensuring that equity-focused goals are fully integrated into the broader organizational objectives. The report will be updated annually with new data to track progress toward goals. Read the full Institutionalizing Equity Report.
The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the County Department of Planning & Sustainability to apply for funding through New York State’s County Infrastructure Grant Program. The selected infrastructure project, The Woods, by SouthWorks Ithaca would support the development of 69 units of affordable housing and 24 units of additional housing.
A resolution encouraging the New York State Legislature to authorize TCIDA to expand its membership passed unanimously. TCIDA is currently comprised of seven members, as authorized under New York State law. Increasing its membership to nine would enhance its ability to represent diverse perspectives and expertise, including school district and labor representatives.
The Tompkins County Legislature appointed Dan Rosenberg as the County’s next Poet Laureate. Mr. Rosenberg is the 12th Poet Laureate to be appointed in Tompkins County. He succeeds Janie E. Bibbie, who served from 2023 through 2024. The position of Tompkins County Poet Laureate was established by the Tompkins County Legislature in 2001 to honor outstanding local poets, integrate poetry into the community, enrich the education of our young people, and enhance the county’s position as a cultural center. Mr. Rosenberg is a Visiting Senior Lecturer at Cornell University and lives in Ithaca. At the meeting, he read the poem ‘Buttermilk Falls’ from his latest book ‘Bassinet’.
A resolution urging the New York State Legislature to enact the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act was passed 10-3, (Rich John (D-Ithaca), Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton), and Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) opposed). This initiative would make producers legally and financially responsible for mitigating the environmental impacts of their packaging.
County Administrator, Korsah Akumfi, confirmed the acquisition of 227 Cherry Street in Ithaca and presented a timeline for the development of a purpose-built emergency shelter facility.
Finance Director, Lorrie Scarrott, referenced in her updates the New York State Comptroller’s report stating a 1.6% sales tax revenue increase in New York State in 2024 compared to 2023 (0.5% increase outside of New York City), constituting the slowest growth since the pandemic in 2020. Tompkins County reported a 13.71% sales tax revenue increase for December 2024 compared to December 2023. For 2024 overall, the County’s sales tax revenue fell $236,761 short of budget estimates.
Michael Lane (D-Dryden) announced that he will not seek reelection this fall. He was first elected to the Tompkins County Legislature in 1993. “Everything has a season,” said Legislator Lane. “At this point, I think the season is for me to say tonight that I don’t intend to seek reelection to the Legislature this fall. With the greatest appreciation to the people of my district, I will continue to do my utmost to represent them over the next ten and a half months and continue my oath of office, which is to preserve, defend, and protect the Constitution of the United States.”
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