Community Services Board

About the Community Services Board 

Each county in New York State is required under NYS Mental Hygiene Law (Title E, Article 41) to have a Community Services Board (CSB). The primary function of the CSB is to develop and approve the local services plan for mental hygiene services and advocate for services in Tompkins County. Members are appointed by the County Legislature. Whenever practical, membership shall include a licensed physician and a licensed psychologist, but at least two members shall be licensed physicians.

The CSB has separate subcommittees for Mental Health, Substance Use, and Developmental Disabilities.

Meetings

Meetings of the Community Services Board (CSB) occur on the first Monday each month at 5:30 pm in the Tompkins County Mental Health Center, 6th Floor Board Room, or via Zoom. If you have any questions or wish to verify a meeting day and time, email Karan Palazzo or call her at 607-274-6250.

• 2023 Meeting Dates (PDF)

CSB meetings are available on YouTube.

• Watch live streamed.
• Watch recorded meetings on demand.

CSB Meeting Dates, Agendas, and Minutes

Community Services Board Subcommittees

Subcommittee meetings
 

These are responsible for program planning by identifying areas of strength and need in the community including participation in the development of the local community services plan for the disability they represent. Their recommendations are taken to the Community Services Board for its consideration.

The subcommittees are:

• Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee, for services to the intellectually and developmentally disabled
• Mental Health Subcommittee, for services to the mentally ill
• Substance Use Subcommittee, for services to those suffering from substance use disorder

Each subcommittee consist of nine members each with four-year terms. Each subcommittee has six community member seats and three mental health board representative seats.

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Advisory Board Application

If you are interested in serving as a member on an advisory board, please fill out this application and send it by email to www.tompkinscountyny.gov/legislature, fax to 607-274-5430, or mail to Tompkins County Legislature, 121 E Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. Applications can also be found on the County website or can be picked up in person. We can also send an application by mail or by email to interested persons.  We recommend that applicants attend a meeting. Contact Tompkins County Mental Health at 607-274-6250.

Community Services Board

There are 15 CSB members with four-year terms. There is no limit on the number of terms a member may serve.

• 1 Certified psychologist or licensed physician (may be filled with at-large if no psychologist or physician applies)
• 1 Licensed physician (may be filled with at-large member if no physician applies) and
• 13 At-large members.

CSB Subcommittees

Each subcommittee consist of nine members each with four-year terms. Each subcommittee has six community member seats and three mental health board representative seats.