The $6.5 million of local Community Recovery Fund grants offered by Tompkins County using American Rescue Plan Act funds are set to be disbursed to local organizations following a vote at the next meeting of the Legislature. The final stages of the process follow a lengthy grant review process by a consultant and a committee of the Legislature. Legislator Dan Klein (D-Danby) who chairs the Community Recovery Fund Committee detailed that while Legislators can move to amend the resolution approving the grant awards, they must not only move to add a proposal but would have to remove something of equal dollar value as well. Legislators debated how best to approach the voting on the slate of recommended grant applications, with a decision made to use two hours of dedicated time in the next Legislature meeting (December 20) on the topic where the committee recommendations and new amendments would be considered. Several community members representing not-for-profit organizations spoke in support of their applications for Community Recovery Fund grants during privilege of the floor for the public. More information on the program can be found at: https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/communityrecoveryfund
Andrew Braman was unanimously (12-0, Legislator Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing) excused) named Interim Finance Director following the retirement of Rick Snyder. Braman presented sales tax data, reporting receipts for the last three months including that those receipts will exceed budget for the year though increases are getting smaller over time.
Katrina McCloy was unanimously (12-0, Legislator Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing) excused) named Clerk of the Legislature following the impending retirement of Cathy Covert. McCloy’s appointment will begin on January 1, 2023. Katrina currently serves as Chief Deputy Clerk of the Tompkins County Legislature.