Highlights of the March 17, 2022 meeting of the
Tompkins County Legislature
Tompkins County Legislature Appoints Lisa Holmes as County Administrator
The Tompkins County Legislature voted unanimously (13-0, Legislator Dan Klein was excused) to appoint Lisa Holmes as the next permanent Tompkins County Administrator. This appointment follows Holmes having served as Interim Tompkins County Administrator since May of 2021. To read more about Holmes’ appointment read the full release here.
Legislator Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing) moved the resolution in support of Holmes’ appointment and it received a unanimous second.
Legislature Chairwoman Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) stated, “Lisa has the respect of so many of her colleagues… As a County we should be proud that we’re hiring our first ever female Tompkins County Administrator, fewer than 1/3 top local government officials are women leaders.”
Legislator Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) shared, “I like the fact that we’re hiring someone who has come up through the County into this role. You have shown that you are capable of the job… and really have risen to the call.”
Legislator Anne Koreman (D-Ulysses) stated, “I’m so thrilled to vote on Lisa being our County Administrator. It’s something that we should be proud of – that someone so talented and dedicated can work their way up through the County. I can think of no one better to do this job, I have the utmost faith in Lisa.”
Among Other Business
Legislator Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton) shared a reflection in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day on the history of Irish immigrants and culture in Tompkins County and the Groton area.
Several Legislators spoke about their experiences at the New York State Association of Counties annual conference, including lessons learned on topics such as cybersecurity, childcare, the New York State budget, and other critical topics affecting counties. Legislature Chairwoman Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) moderated a panel at the conference on COVID-19 pandemic response. Deputy County Administrator Amie Hendrix presented on a panel regarding childcare.
Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes reported on the planning to implement the County Recovery Grant Fund program. A consultant is being sought to manage the grant program and potential consultants who responded to a request for proposals will be meeting with staff from Administration and Finance who will then provide a recommendation to the legislature in an upcoming meeting.
A resolution was passed unanimously (13-0) increasing the pay rate for election workers and poll workers who serve through the County’s Board of Elections. An amendment raised by Legislator Greg Mezey (D-Dryden) to increase the pay proposed rate to $15.32 to reflect the Tompkins County living wage was approved 12-1 with Legislator Mike Lane (D-Dryden) in opposition and Legislator Dan Klein (D-Danby) excused. Poll workers tend to be hard to recruit and according to Board of Elections officials, raising the amount of pay will help encourage more individuals to apply for the important roles. Poll workers are not full-time employees, but work during elections around the County, for more information visit: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/boe/pollworker.