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339  total news items
11-20-2007 Legislature Adopts 2008 County Budget
  Nearly ten weeks after the process began, the Tompkins County Legislature tonight adopted a 2008 Tompkins County Budget. The final vote, approving the 2008 budget and the 2008-2012 capital program, ...
11-15-2007 Power Outage Scheduled at Health Department
  Electrical power to the Tompkins County Health Department will be disrupted temporarily between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on Friday, November 16th to allow for the installation of a new generator. A ...
11-13-2007 Public Hearing, But No Comment on 2008 Tentative Budget
  The hearing was over almost as soon as it began. No citizens appeared tonight to address the Legislature at its annual public hearing called to invite citizen comment on the County’s 2008 ...
11-07-2007 Legislature Adopts Amended 2008 Tentative Budget
  With little discussion and no modification, the Legislature, by a vote of 8 to 4, adopted amendments to County Administrator Steve Whicher’s 2008 tentative budget and 2008-2012 capital program, as ...
11-07-2007 Special Election Scheduled to Fill Legislature Vacancy
  By unanimous vote (with Legislators Sigler and Randall absent), the Legislature scheduled a special election for December 18, 2007 in District 3 (City of Ithaca) to fill the unexpired term of ...
11-07-2007 Legislature Endorses Bonding for Family and Children’s Service Project
  The Legislature, by a vote of 11 to 1, approved issuance of up to $4.5 million in tax-exempt county Industrial Development Agency Civic Facility Revenue Bonds to benefit Family and Children’s Service ...
11-05-2007 Snow Shovelers Needed To Assist Seniors
  It’s not too early to think about snow! With winter coming upon us, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging is updating its listing of snow shovelers. Deep snow and icy sidewalks are dangerous for ...
11-01-2007 County Youth Services Department Marks 30th Anniversary
  Officials and well-wishers reflected on past achievements and looked ahead to the future, as the County Youth Services Department celebrated its 30th anniversary at a reception at Ithaca’s Hilton ...
10-25-2007 Council of Governments Recommends Interim Agreement for Animal Control
  The Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG), of which Tompkins County is a member, today recommended that its municipal members approve an interim agreement for animal control with the ...
10-24-2007 Expanded Budget Committee Reaches 2008 Budget Recommendation
  After seven prior sessions and four hours of discussion today, Legislators acting as an Expanded Budget Committee recommended an amended tentative Tompkins County budget which would increase the tax ...
10-22-2007 New Poll Sites for Town of Ithaca
  Beginning with the November 6 General Election voters in Town of Ithaca Election Districts 4, 11 and 12 will vote at Ellis Hollow Apartments, located at 1028 Ellis Hollow Rd. Voters should use the ...
10-18-2007 Second Round of 2008 Budget Changes for Expanded Budget Committee
  Legislators acting as an Expanded Budget Committee continued in their process of recommending revisions to the 2008 tentative Tompkins County budget presented by County Administrator Steve Whicher ...
10-18-2007 Office for the Aging Workshop for Alzheimer's Caregivers
  Coping With Loss When A Loved One Has Alzheimer’s A free workshop, "Living with Loss: When a Loved One Has Alzheimer's," is being offered on Tuesday, October 30, Noon - 1:30 PM at Cooperative ...
10-17-2007 Health Department Building Construction Committee Established
  Legislature Chair Tim Joseph announced that he has charged a new advisory committee with guiding design and renovation of a new county Health Department headquarters on Brown Road in the Village of ...
10-16-2007 Legislature Approves Livable Wage for Project Assistants
  By a vote of 9 to 5, the Legislature approved changes to the County’s internship program, which include an increase in the pay range for project assistant interns consistent with local livable wage ...
10-16-2007 Legislature Updated on County Government Emergency Preparedness
  Legislators tonight heard an outline and update of the County’s emergency management program, a three-pronged effort carried forth by the County’s Department of Emergency Response, the County’s ...
10-16-2007 Legislature Updated on County Government Emergency Preparedness
  Legislators tonight heard an outline and update of the County’s emergency management program, a three-pronged effort carried forth by the County’s Department of Emergency Response, the County’s ...
10-15-2007 Office for the Aging Public Hearing and Senior Fair
  The Tompkins County Office for the Aging will be holding a Public Hearing and Senior Citizens’ Fair on Thursday, October 25, with registration beginning at 9:30am at Titus Towers, 800 South Plain ...
10-12-2007 Sample Ballots Now Available Online
  Sample ballots for the November 6 General Election may be viewed on the Tompkins County Board of Elections web site, www.votetompkins.com. Copies are also available at the Board office, located at ...
10-10-2007 Tompkins County Health Department Announces County Flu Clinics
  Tompkins County Health Department will hold flu clinics in eight locations in the County from November 1 through November 15. The Department will begin making appointments for the clinics on October ...
10-09-2007 Expanded Budget Committee Begins Voting on Budget Changes
  After mulling the County’s proposed 2008 budget for nearly a month, Legislators acting as an Expanded Budget Committee tonight began recommending modifications to the $72 million tentative budget ...
10-09-2007 Registration and Party Change Deadlines
  October 12 is the last day a new voter can register and be eligible to vote in the November 6, 2007 General Election. This is also the last day previously registered voters can apply for a party ...
10-09-2007 Absentee Ballots Now Available
  Absentee ballots for the November 6 General Election are now available at the Tompkins County Board of Elections. The last day to apply by mail for an absentee ballot is October 30. The last day ...
10-05-2007 Much Focus on Planning and Public Works, in Latest Expanded Budget Review
  Legislators acting as an Expanded Budget Committee heard from 14 more County departments and agencies tonight, in its final formal presentation session before beginning to recommend changes to County ...
10-05-2007 Legislature Delivers Surprise Honor To County Historian
  When County Historian Carol Kammen, who has served as in that position for more than seven years, came to address her $5,000 2008 budget request before the County’s Expanded Budget Committee, ...
10-05-2007 County Administrator Search Process Underway
  Tompkins County has begun the process of searching for a new County Administrator to succeed Administrator Steve Whicher, who will retire next spring. The 15-member committee which will oversee ...
10-04-2007 Tompkins County Information and Referral Launches 2-1-1 Service
  Tompkins County residents can now dial 2-1-1 to find health care, services for seniors, programs for people with disabilities, mental health services, legal assistance, addiction treatment, ...
10-02-2007 Legislature Hears Report on Homeless Youth
  Housing, transportation, education and finding a job are the primary needs of the county’s homeless youth. Those factors were among the information communicated to legislators, as participants in ...
10-02-2007 Legislature Supports Farmland Protection Initiative
  The Legislature, without dissent, authorized the County to enter into an agreement with the Town of Dryden to implement a grant-funded program to preserve agricultural use for a parcel of farmland in ...
10-01-2007 Citizens Address Legislators at Community Budget Forum
  County officials tonight outlined Administrator Steve Whicher’s proposed 2008 Tompkins County budget at a Community Budget Forum sponsored by the County Legislature. Close to 30 people attended ...
09-28-2007 Community Invited to Annual Budget Forum
  Tompkins County residents will have the opportunity to learn about the 2008 Tompkins County tentative budget and to voice their concerns to Legislators at the annual Community Budget Forum, sponsored ...
09-27-2007 Tourism Grants Workshop Monday, October 1
  The county’s Strategic Tourism Planning Board will sponsor a Tourism Grants Workshop on Monday, October 1st, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at the Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at ...
09-25-2007 Public Safety, Human Services Among Topics of Continued Budget Review
  County legislators, acting as an expanded budget committee, tonight heard from leaders of a dozen more County departments and agencies, in the second of three presentation sessions concerning the ...
09-24-2007 Library Request Among Those Covered in Initial Expanded Budget Committee Review
  Tompkins County Legislators, acting as an expanded budget committee, tonight heard representatives of eight County departments and agencies explain their 2008 budget requests. The session was the ...
09-21-2007 County Receives “Small Cities” Grant to Address Affordable Housing Needs
  Tompkins County has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the Governor’s Office for Small Cities to continue and expand its Homeownership Program. In this week’s announcement of the grant award, ...
09-20-2007 Tompkins Health Care Consortium Project Presented at Statewide Conference
  The initiative by Tompkins County municipalities to develop a shared approach for employee health insurance was presented today at the 2007 Fall Seminar of the New York State Association of Counties ...
09-19-2007 Legislature Authorizes Bonding for Health Department Building, TC3 Improvements
  The Legislature, by a split vote and after considerable discussion, authorized the County to issue $3.5 million in serial bonds to support costs related to acquisition of property at 55 Brown Road, ...
09-18-2007 Legislature Approves IDA Revenue Bonds for Longview
  The Legislature, by unanimous vote, approved the issuance by the County’s Industrial Development Agency of up to $14 million civic facility revenue bonds, to support the Ithacare Service Center ...
09-18-2007 Coddington Road Reconstruction Plan Approved
  By a vote of 10 to 4, the Legislature authorized approval of design and right of way plans for the reconstruction of Coddington Road in the Town of Ithaca. (Legislators Pam Mackesey, Greg Stevenson, ...
09-17-2007 Administrator’s 2008 Budget Meets Two Percent Levy Goal
  Tompkins County Administrator Steve Whicher has delivered to the County Legislature a 2008 Tentative Budget that meets the Legislature’s goal of a tax levy increase of no more than 2 percent. This ...
09-17-2007 Expanded Budget Committee Begins 2008 Budget Review
  Legislators acting as an Expanded Budget Committee today received their initial briefing on the County Administrator’s 2008 Tentative Budget, guided through the budget document that will form the ...
09-13-2007 New Poll Site on West Hill
  Beginning with the September 18 Primary, voters in Town of Ithaca Election District 1 will use the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) as their poll site. PRI is located at 1259 Trumansburg ...
09-07-2007 Assessment Director Explains 2008 Local Property Revaluation, Clarifies Impact
  Tompkins County’s countywide property revaluation next year, increasing values to 100 percent of fair market value, is projected to produce an increase in the local municipal tax base. Assessment ...
09-04-2007 Hanshaw Road Reconstruction Project Moves Ahead
  By a vote of 13 to 1, the Legislature authorized the design and right-of-way plan for the reconstruction of one-and-a-half miles of Hanshaw Road. (Legislator Dooley Kiefer voted no; Legislator Tyke ...
09-04-2007 Legislature Authorizes Tourism Funding for Special Projects
  The Legislature, by unanimous vote (Legislator Tyke Randall was absent) approved $28,700 in supplemental funding from the County’s Room Tax Reserve Fund for the Ithaca/Tompkins County Convention and ...
09-04-2007 Health Department Alerts Parents to Dangers of Lead-Contaminated Toys
  Days after the recent recalls of popular children's toys by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, many of these toys were still being sold in toy stores, drugstores, and other retail ...
08-23-2007 Committee Examines Alternatives for Retiree Health Insurance
  The County Personnel Committee today presented proposed alternatives for modifying retiree health insurance coverage, as the County looks at ways to bring ever-increasing health benefits costs under ...
08-22-2007 Legislature Extends Recreation Partnership Agreement
  The Legislature, by a vote of 12 to 3 adopted an extension of the intermunicipal Recreation Partnership Agreement, from January, 1, 2008 through December 31, 2012. Through the partnership, the ...
08-22-2007 Legislature Urges Continued Authorization for Use of Lever Voting Machines
  The Legislature, by a vote of 14-1 (Legislator Jim Dennis dissenting), urged that pending federal legislation include language to permit continued use within New York State of the traditional lever ...
08-21-2007 County Reviews Sales Tax Intercept Option; Extends One Percent Sales Tax
  Legislators heard a staff presentation on New York State’s offer to the County which, if accepted, would change the way the County supports Medicaid expenses. The State’s Sales Tax Intercept Option ...
08-13-2007 Absentee Ballots Now Available
  Absentee ballots for the September 18 Primary Election are now available at the Tompkins County Board of Elections. Only Democratic voters in the Town of Ithaca will be eligible to vote in this ...
08-08-2007 Brown Road Site Chosen for Health Department Headquarters
  Tompkins County will remodel existing space, rather than building new, to provide a new headquarters for the county’s Health Department. The County Legislature discussed site alternatives in a ...
08-08-2007 Contingent Funding Allocated for Assessment Appraisal, Staff Position Approved
  The Legislature, by a vote of 13 to 1 (Legislator Mike Kopinka-Loehr dissenting; Legislator Pam Mackesey was absent), authorized transfer of $50,000 in contingent funds to the Assessment Department ...
08-07-2007 Drop-In Children’s Center Receives Funding
  By a vote of 9 to 5 (with Legislator Pamela Mackesey absent), the Legislature approved $50,000 in contingent funding to enable Ithaca’s Drop-In Children’s Center to cope with an ongoing fiscal ...
08-01-2007 Special Legislature Session Focuses on Real Estate
  In special session, the Legislature conducted a three-hour-long executive session to discuss real estate negotiations. The closed-door meeting was the latest step in the ongoing analysis of ...
07-31-2007 Weatherization Assistance Available for Seniors
  The Weatherization Referral and Assistance Program (WRAP) of the Tompkins County Office for the Aging helps senior citizens with energy related problems and home repairs. The WRAP program can ...
07-17-2007 Legislature Backs IDA Bonds for Cayuga Medical Center
  The Legislature, by unanimous vote, approved issuance of up to $5.5 million in tax-exempt county Industrial Development Agency Civic Facility Revenue Bonds to benefit Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca. ...
07-17-2007 Legislature Consolidates Fringe Benefit Accounts
  The Legislature, without dissent, authorized moving of employee fringe benefit allocations from individual department accounts to one centralized fringe benefit account, to improve financial ...
07-17-2007 Legislature Urges Full Federal Funding for Airport Security
  The Legislature, by unanimous vote, voiced its strenuous objection to a proposed new agreement with the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that would reimburse the County for only ...
07-09-2007 Budget Committee Recommends Change in Fringe Calculations
  The County’s Budget and Capital Committee today recommended the County change the way it budgets employee fringe benefit expenses, centralizing the allocations in one account, rather than dividing ...
07-03-2007 Legislature Authorizes Reallocation of Unspent Funds
  By a vote of 9 to 2, the Legislature authorized 17 county departments to use surplus funds from 2006 to support current year expenses. (Legislators Dooley Kiefer and Pam Mackesey voted no; ...
07-03-2007 Legislature Reinstates State Theatre Grant, Among Several Tourism Program Actions
  By unanimous vote of those present, the Legislature authorized payment from county Room Tax Occupancy Funds of a $50,000 Tourism Capital Grant to Historic Ithaca supporting renovations to Ithaca’s ...
07-03-2007 Legislature Authorizes Supplements to Military Pay
  As it did in 2002 and 2004, the Legislature committed the County to pay the difference between base County salary and military pay for up to 90 days per calendar year, when a County employee is ...
06-28-2007 Final Assessment Roll to be Filed June 29, 2007
  On June 29th, the Tompkins County Department of Assessment will file the 2007 Final Assessment Roll. The 2007 Final Assessment Roll conforms in all respects to the 2007 Tentative Assessment Roll ...
06-28-2007 Recycling and Solid Waste Center Holiday Changes
  All curbside-recycling collections during the week of July 4th will not occur on schedule. Recycling collection for July 4th through July 6th will be delayed by one day. For example, if ...
06-28-2007 Finance Department to Issue Fall 2007 Certificates of Residence
  The Tompkins County Finance Department will issue Fall 2007 Certificates of Residence for community college students beginning July 5, 2007. The applications may be mailed (notarized and with ...
06-28-2007 Finance Department to Issue Fall 2007 Certificates of Residence
  The Tompkins County Finance Department will issue Fall 2007 Certificates of Residence for community college students beginning July 5, 2007. The applications may be mailed (notarized and with ...
06-19-2007 New Structure on Biggs Site or NYSEG Headquarters Considered for Health Department
  Giving the Legislature its first look at options for a new Health Department Building, the committee that has been studying the matter for the past six months told legislators it should decide ...
06-19-2007 Legislature Approves Tompkins Cortland Community College Budget
  The Legislature, by unanimous vote (Legislators Martha Robertson and Leslyn McBean-Clairborne were absent) adopted Tompkins Cortland Community College’s 2007-2008 operating budget. The more than $30 ...
06-19-2007 2008 Budget Guidelines Adopted for County Departments and Agencies
  Following up its adoption at its last meeting of a two percent tax levy increase goal for the 2008 county budget, the Legislature, by a 9-5 vote, established fiscal targets for departments and ...
06-14-2007 Tompkins County Celebrates Diversity
  Along with members of the community, Tompkins County legislators, administrators and staff joined together today on the Ithaca Commons for a noontime event celebrating the County’s commitment to ...
06-14-2007 Legislature Will Get First Look at Health Department Building Options
  The County Legislature next Tuesday will be presented two potential site alternatives – but no recommendation yet – regarding future headquarters for the county’s Health Department. After a more ...
06-12-2007 No Change Recommended Yet for Assessment Data Internet Policy
  The county’s Government Operations Committee today refrained from making any recommendation to change county policy on county release of assessment data over the internet. Most members concluded ...
06-06-2007 In Split Vote, Legislature Sets 2 Percent 2008 Tax Levy Increase Goal
  After multiple votes, the Legislature decided, by a vote of 8-7, to establish a financial goal of a maximum tax levy increase of 2 percent for 2008. A 2 percent increase in the tax levy (the total ...
06-06-2007 County Committee Recommends County Stand on Shortage of Home Health Workers
  The Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee will ask the County Legislature to urge state action to increase the workforce of qualified home health care workers in New York State. If ...
06-06-2007 County Homeownership Program Celebrates 250th Closing
  On Friday, June 8th, the Tompkins County Home Ownership Program will commemorate a significant milestone: its 250th real estate closing, to help a Tompkins County homebuyer purchase a first home. ...
06-05-2007 Legislature Supports Impeachment Inquiry
  After listening to a half-hour of public comment and debating for nearly an hour on the appropriateness of local action, the Legislature took a stand on the call for federal investigation into ...
06-05-2007 Funds Approved for Community Re-Entry Initiative
  By a vote of 14 to 1 (Legislator Mike Hattery dissenting), the Legislature approved the allocation of $28,715 to support a pilot community re-entry initiative for county jail inmates, to ease their ...
06-01-2007 Public Comment Opportunity for Airport Safety Project
  Tompkins County and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are seeking public comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) of a proposed project at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. The draft ...
05-30-2007 Tompkins Health Care Consortium Featured at Regional Shared Services Forum
  The initiative by Tompkins County municipalities to develop a shared approach for employee health insurance will be among the topics explored at a regional Forum on Shared Municipal Services ...
05-29-2007 Legislature Will Consider Revised 2008 Financial Goal
  The County Legislature, which on May 1 failed to adopt a financial goal to guide the 2008 budget process, will be asked next month to adopt a revised goal containing a smaller target tax ...
05-25-2007 Committee Invites Public Comment on Assessment Internet Proposal
  The County Legislature’s Government Operations Committee is asking the public to weigh in concerning proposed changes which would affect distribution of local assessment data via the internet. The ...
05-24-2007 Tompkins County Featured in Report Criticizing Statewide Jail Expansion
  A report released by the Center for Constitutional Rights maintains that policies of the New York State Commission of Correction (SCOC), rather than a genuine need for increased local jail cell ...
05-22-2007 Cameron New Director of Environmental Health
  The Tompkins County Health Department is pleased to announce the appointment of C. Elizabeth Cameron to the position of Director of Environmental Health. Cameron replaces John Andersson who retired ...
05-15-2007 County Administrator Stephen Whicher to Retire
  After seven years as Tompkins County Administrator, Steve Whicher tonight told the County Legislature that this year with the County will be his last. The Administrator announced his intent to ...
05-15-2007 Emergency Responder Communications Equipment Plan Approved
  By unanimous vote (with 2 Legislators absent), the Legislature approved a plan, advanced by the county’s Director of Emergency Response, to provide new radio equipment to the county’s emergency ...
05-15-2007 County Funding Approved for Catholic Charities Security Deposit Assistance Program
  After considerable discussion, the Legislature, by a vote of 9 to 4 (with 2 Legislators absent) provided $20,000 in one-time funding from the county’s contingency fund, to allow Catholic Charities’ ...
05-11-2007 Legislator Dick Booth Nominated for State Service
  Governor Eliot Spitzer has nominated County Legislator Dick Booth (D-City of Ithaca) to serve on New York State’s Adirondack Park Agency. Booth’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the New ...
05-10-2007 Quarter-Million-Dollar State Grant Will Help County Municipalities Reduce Health Care Costs
  The Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) has been awarded a $266,030 grant, under the Department of State’s Shared Municipal Services Incentive (SMSI) program. The grant award will ...
05-08-2007 Seniors Honored at Office for the Aging Annual Luncheon
  Two outstanding senior citizens were honored at the Office for the Aging’s Annual Luncheon, May 3, 2007. John Anderson, was awarded a certificate of appreciation acknowledging his tireless volunteer ...
05-07-2007 Annual Report for Tompkins County Stormwater Permit Available for Review
  The annual report for Tompkins County’s stormwater permit is now available for review. Members of the public are invited to ask questions and provide comments on the annual report at the May 21st ...
05-02-2007 Legislature Fails to Set Financial Goal for 2008
  There was much talk but, ultimately, no approval tonight for setting County financial goals for 2008. The Legislature failed to muster sufficient votes to approve a proposal that would have ...
05-01-2007 Legislature Reviews Criminal Justice/Alternatives to Incarceration Action Plan, Approves Annual State Service Plan
  County legislators learned about the 2007 Criminal Justice/Alternatives to Incarceration (CJ/ATI) Strategic Action Plan, the product of nearly a year of review, research and analysis by the county’s ...
05-01-2007 John Andersson, Long-Time Environmental Health Director, Recognized for Outstanding Service
  By unanimous vote, the Legislature expressed official appreciation to John Andersson, who is retiring after many years as the county’s Director of Environmental Health. Andersson has served the ...
05-01-2007 John Andersson, Long-Time Environmental Health Director, Recognized for Outstanding Service
  By unanimous vote, the Legislature expressed official appreciation to John Andersson, who is retiring after many years as the county’s Director of Environmental Health. Andersson has served the ...
04-24-2007 Office for the Aging Annual Luncheon May 3
  The Tompkins County Office for the Aging will hold its Annual Luncheon on Thursday, May 3, 2007, at noon at the Clarion Hotel, 1 Sheraton Drive, Ithaca. This year’s luncheon will feature Michael ...
04-20-2007 Committee Nears Recommendation on Emergency Communications Equipment
  No formal committee vote has yet been taken, but members of the county’s Public Safety Committee today indicated that they are prepared to support a plan advanced by the Director of Emergency ...
04-19-2007 Remembering the Virginia Tech Community and Their Families
  Tompkins County Administration extends sympathy to the Virginia Tech community and their families, and reminds citizens about National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 22—28, 2007 On April 16, ...
04-19-2007 Human Rights Award Recipients Announced
  The Tompkins County Human Rights Commission congratulates this year’s recipients of county Human Rights Awards. The awards will be presented at the Commission’s 25th Annual Awards Dinner on ...
04-18-2007 Don’t Forget To B.R.E.A.T.H.E.: Tompkins County Human Rights Commission Hosts Spoken Word Showcase
  B.R.E.A.T.H.E., a new creative outlet program Building, Respect, Equality and Activism Through Hip-Hop Expression, is holding a Spoken Word Showcase on April 20th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event, ...
04-17-2007 Legislature Accepts Two State Grants, Authorizes Application for One More
  The Legislature, without dissent (with one Legislator absent), accepted $300,000 in state funds, under the Department of Transportation’s “Air 99” program, to support improvements and maintenance for ...
04-17-2007 Girl Scout Troop Recognized as Tompkins County Distinguished Youth
  Members of Ithaca’s Girl Scout Troop 600 were honored as recipients of this month’s Distinguished Youth Award. Nominated by Legislator Dick Booth, the scouts were honored for their presentation last ...
04-17-2007 Legislature Approves New Budget for Transportation Council, Increases Director’s Salary
  The Legislature (by unanimous vote, with one Legislator absent) approved the 2007-08 budget for the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council. The more than $350,000 budget is fully supported by ...
04-16-2007 Severe Weather and Recycling Collection Delays
  The Tompkins County Solid Waste Division advises that, due to the severe weather and the hazardous driving conditions, curbside recycling will be delayed by one day. Recycling collections scheduled ...
04-16-2007 Tompkins County Water Resources Council Meeting Cancelled
  Today’s meeting of the Tompkins County Water Resources Council, scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m., has been cancelled due to the weather. Members will be notified as soon as the meeting is ...
04-09-2007 National Human Rights Leader to Speak at Human Rights Commission Celebration April 21
  James L. Stowe, President of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA) will deliver the keynote address at Tompkins County Human Rights Commission’s 25th annual Human ...
04-05-2007 Public Meetings to Discuss Proposed Revisions to Tompkins County Sanitary Code
  The Tompkins County Health Department invites the public to attend a meeting to learn about the proposed construction permit regulations for all new private and public water wells and modified ...
04-04-2007 Agricultural District Designation Denied for Two Dryden Village Parcels
  The Legislature approved the addition of three properties to the county’s Agricultural District Number 1, on the east side of Cayuga Lake, but did not include two parcels proposed for inclusion, ...
04-04-2007 Legislature Supports New York State and Federal Funding for “2-1-1” Service
  The Legislature, without dissent, endorsed two measures urging funding to support development of “2-1-1” Community information systems at the state and federal level. The Legislature thanks the ...
04-04-2007 Update on County Sustainability Effort
  ·The Legislature heard a progress report on the county’s employee-driven sustainability program. Facilitator Cheryl Nelson reported that much progress has been made since the Legislature created ...
03-28-2007 Judge Rowley Elected to Statewide Post
  Hon. John C. Rowley, Tompkins County Judge, has been elected President of the New York State Association of Drug Treatment Court Professionals (NYSADTCP). Judge Rowley was elected to the post at the ...
03-23-2007 Community Budget Forum Saturday, March 24th
  Tompkins County holds its next budget forum on March 24. at the county Human Services Building.. Click on the link above for more on the forums.
03-23-2007 Public Hearing Scheduled for Hanshaw Road Improvements
  The Tompkins County Highway Division will conduct a public hearing on proposed reconstruction plans for Hanshaw Road at a public information open house on Tuesday, March 27th, at 7:00 p.m., at the ...
03-21-2007 Tompkins County Awards Nearly $72,000 in Tourism Grants
  The Tompkins County Legislature has awarded 27 grants, totaling almost $72,000, in the latest round of the County tourism grant program. The Legislature approved the awards at its March 20th meeting.
03-21-2007 Health Committee Declines to Pursue Local Law on “Tobacco 19”
  The county committee which had been mulling a possible local law to increase the county’s age for tobacco sales today concluded that the county should not “go it alone” to raise the legal purchase ...
03-20-2007 Legislature Authorizes Issuance of County IDA Bonds for Ithaca College Project
  By a vote of 12 to 1 (2 Legislators were absent; Legislator Frank Proto voted no), the Legislature authorized the county Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to issue up to $32 million in Civic ...
03-20-2007 Legislature Supports Tobacco-Free Zones for County Facilities
  By a vote of 12-1, the Legislature authorized establishment of Tobacco-Free Zones around all county faicilities. (Two legislators were absent, Legislator Frank Proto voted no.) The measure supports ...
03-20-2007 Jonathan Reed Honored as Tompkins County Distinguished Youth
  The Legislature presented Ithaca Jonathan Reed with this month’s Tompkins County Distinguished Youth Award. Legislator Leslyn McBean-Clairborne,said Mr. Reed was nominated for the award by GIAC teen ...
03-19-2007 Legislature Recognizes First Tompkins Tourism Partner
  Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is the first recipient of the County Legislature’s Tompkins Tourism Partner Award. The award is given to recognize individuals, organizations, and associations who, ...
03-07-2007 Legislature Backs Unemployment Insurance Reform
  The Legislature, by a vote of 10-3, urged New York State to “enact measures to bring significant reform” to New York State’s unemployment insurance system. (Legislators Sigler, Proto and Hattery ...
03-07-2007 Legislature Supports Babcock Tract Acquisition
  The Legislature, by a 12-1 vote (Legislator Mike Hattery opposed; Legislators Mackesey and Randall were absent) approved allocation of $20,000 from the county’s Capital Reserve Fund for Natural, ...
03-06-2007 Preliminary Notices of Assessment Change to be Mailed March 9
  The Tompkins County Department of Assessment is in its second year of a Triennial Revaluation Program. For the 2007 Assessment roll, a Level of Assessment of 85% was determined based upon the 2006 ...
02-27-2007 Revisions Proposed to Tompkins County Sanitary Code Article VII
  The Tompkins County Health Department is proposing to require permits for new wells throughout Tompkins County, as well as other revisions to an existing code. The proposed changes affect ...
02-22-2007 March 1st Deadline to File Exemption Application
  The Tompkins County Department of Assessment reminds property owners about the upcoming exemption application filing deadline. March 1st is the deadline to file for any Real Property Tax ...
02-20-2007 County Health Care Agency Recognized for Quality Service
  The Legislature, without dissent (Legislator Kathy Luz Herrera was absent), commended Tompkins County Home Health Care, the certified home health agency operated by the county Health Department, for ...
02-20-2007 County Administrator Commends Staff for Work During Recent Storm
  County Administrator Stephen Whicher told the Legislature the performance of county workers during the recent heavy snow was “outstanding”. Staff in the Highway and Facilities Divisions and ...
02-20-2007 Legislature Authorizes Grant Application for Home Ownership Program
  The Legislature authorized the county to seek funding assistance under the New York State Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program, to support the Tompkins County Homeownership Program. ...
02-15-2007 Residents Urged to Protect Themselves From Extreme Cold
  Although Tompkins County is no longer experiencing major snowfall, county officials are reminding residents to protect themselves from the severe cold that is blanketing the region. Emergency ...
02-14-2007 Environmental Management Council Meeting Cancelled
  Due to the current winter storm the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday 2/14 has been CANCELLED.
02-08-2007 Health Department Building Committee Sets Timetable
  The new county committee charged with advising the County Legislature concerning a new headquarters for the Tompkins County Health Department expects to have site options ready to present to the ...
02-07-2007 Committee Ponders Potential Increase in Tompkins Tobacco Age
  The county’s Health and Human Services Committee today took the first steps to consider increasing to 19 the county’s legal age to purchase tobacco products. After listening to a presentation by ...
02-06-2007 County Participants Optimistic After Recent NYSAC Conference
  Reflecting on their experience at the New York State Association of Counties’ winter conference in Albany last week, six county legislators who attended told their colleagues tonight that they ...
02-06-2007 Legislature Accepts State Elections Funding and Criminal Justice Grant
  The Legislature, without dissent, approved financial assistance from the New York State Board of Elections – two grants, totaling $41,561, provided as part of the 2006 fiscal year New York State ...
02-06-2007 Community Budget Forums Scheduled
  Legislators learned more about three community budget sessions that will be held next month to both educate the public about the county budget and to ask guidance concerning where the County should ...
02-02-2007 Working Toward a Healthier Cayuga Lake
  All of the Finger Lakes are currently listed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as threatened, stressed, or impaired.  Residents and policy makers are invited to learn ...
02-01-2007 Human Services Building Evacuated By Bomb Threat
  The Tompkins County Human Services Building was evacuated as a precaution this afternoon after staff received a call claiming there was a bomb in the building. A search of the building by Ithaca ...
01-24-2007 Flu Reported In Tompkins County
  The first case of lab-confirmed influenza was reported last week in Tompkins County. The adult case was influenza type B which is well matched to the influenza vaccine being provided this season. ...
01-22-2007 Legal Issues Course Offered Under Emergency Services Training Partnership
  The Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) will offer the course Legal Issues for the Volunteer Fire Service on Friday, January 26th and ...
01-19-2007 County Participates in Council of Governments
  Through a new association, Tompkins County municipalities are crossing municipal boundaries to address common issues they face. The Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) involves all of ...
01-19-2007 Free Rabies Clinic: Wednesday, January 24th
  All cats, dogs and ferrets harbored in New York State are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age. The Tompkins County Health Department will offer a FREE rabies ...
01-16-2007 Joseph Considering Ithaca Town Supervisor Candidacy
  Cautioning that he has not made a definite decision, Legislature Chair Tim Joseph said that he is giving “serious thought” of running for the position of Ithaca Town Supervisor. Mr. Joseph indicated ...
01-16-2007 Ben Dodge Named January Distinguished Youth
  The Legislature honored Trumansburg High School senior Ben Dodge as this month’s recipient of the Tompkins County Distinguished Youth Award. An apprentice firefighter with the Trumansburg Fire ...
01-16-2007 County to Seek Early Public Input on 2008 Budget Priorities
  As it looks ahead to the 2008 county budget process, the County is planning a series of community forums to assess public sentiment on budget issues. Budget and Capital Committee chair Michael ...
01-12-2007 Health Department Building Committee Begins Work
  The new county committee charged with developing design and site options for a proposed new headquarters for the Tompkins County Health Department has set the stage for preparing its advice to the ...
01-04-2007 Tim Joseph Reelected Legislature Chair
  The Legislature elected Tim Joseph (D) to his sixth year as chair of the Tompkins County Legislature. The position of chair, filled each year by a majority vote of the Legislature’s 15 members, is ...
01-04-2007 Strategic Tourism Planning Board Announces Grants Workshop
  On Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007 there will be a workshop on the 2007 Tourism Grant Programs. The workshop will take place from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce / Visitors Center ...
01-03-2007 2007 Legislature Chair’s Address
  Chair Tim Josephs Address to the Legislature, January 2, 2007: The problems and issues that we deal with in County government don’t respect arbitrary calendar boundaries, so it’s no surprise ...
01-02-2007 Joseph Announces Committee Assignments
  Following his election as Chair of the Legislature, Tim Joseph announced standing and special committee assignments for 2007. Leadership has changed for three of the seven standing committees, all ...
12-21-2006 Buyers of Bulk Fuel Commit to Biodiesel
  Thanks to the coordination efforts of a Cornell University intern, several large-scale fleet operators in Tompkins County have committed to buying biodiesel in 2007. Tompkins Consolidated Area ...
12-19-2006 Legislature Opposes Lakeside Nursing Home Closure; Urges Rejection of Berger Report
  Citing harm to the county’s most frail citizens, a significant loss of local jobs, and severe impact on the county’s health care system, the Legislature, by unanimous vote (with Legislator Martha ...
12-19-2006 Legislature Approves 2007 Salary Rates for Several Job Titles
  By a vote of 9-5, authorized a 3 percent salary increase in 2007 for the job titles of County Attorney, Psychiatrist, and Medical Director (Mental Health), so-called “red-circled” positions whose ...
12-19-2006 Carrie Lampman Honored as Tompkins County Distinguished Youth
  The Legislature commended 14-year-old Carrie Lampman, of Freeville, as the December recipient of the Tompkins County Distinguished Youth Award. Recommended by Cooperative Extension Youth Educator ...
12-14-2006 Information Session Concerning Energy Supplier Choice December 18th
  Legislator Kathy Luz Herrera, who in recent weeks has stressed the importance for residents to make an informed choice concerning an energy supplier, alerts the public of an upcoming information ...
12-06-2006 Legislature Endorses Grant Application to Enhance Finger Lakes Trail
  The Legislature, by a vote of 8-4 (with 3 Legislators absent), supported the county’s application for $36,500 in state funding, under the Department of State’s 2006 Quality Communities grant program, ...
12-05-2006 December 8th-Another Chance To Get A Flu Shot
  It’s not too late to get a flu shot! The Tompkins County Health Department will hold another flu clinic in the storefront next to Kay Jewelers at Pyramid Mall this Friday, December 8th from 4:00PM to ...
12-05-2006 First Responders and Municipal Workers Receive Flu Vaccinations to Prepare in the Event of A Serious Disease Outbreak
  Tompkins County and other municipal employees and first responders received their flu vaccinations today as part of a public health response exercise, designed to protect Tompkins County residents in ...
12-05-2006 First Responders and Municipal Workers Receive Flu Vaccinations to Prepare in the Event of A Serious Disease Outbreak
  Tompkins County and other municipal employees and first responders received their flu vaccinations today as part of a public health response exercise, designed to protect Tompkins County residents in ...
12-01-2006 County Finance Director Elected to Statewide Leadership Post
  Tompkins County Finance Director David Squires was recently elected president of the New York State County Treasurers and Finance Officers Association (NYSCTFO) at the organization’s fall meeting in ...
12-01-2006 Office for the Aging Advises Seniors: Take the Rx Enrollment Check-Up
  The Tompkins County Office for the Aging reminds seniors to review their prescription drug coverage during the Medicare Part D open enrollment period, which began November 15. In reviewing a ...
11-30-2006 Power Outage at Solid Waste and Recycling Center: Update
  Power to the Solid Waste and Recycling Center has been restored. The Center regained power at approximately 11 a.m. Thursday. Tompkins County’s Solid Waste and Recycling Center lost power and ...
11-30-2006 Flu Clinic at Pyramid Mall December 1st
  The Tompkins County Health Department will hold a flu clinic in the storefront next to Kay Jewelers at Pyramid Mall on Friday, December 1 from 1:00PM to 5:30 PM for anyone 19 years of age and older ...
11-21-2006 2007 Tompkins County Budget Adopted
  By a vote of 10 to 5, the Tompkins County Legislature ended nearly three months of study and debate and adopted the 2007 Tompkins County budget. Voting against the budget were Legislators Mike ...
11-17-2006 Federal Grant to Support Rehabilitation of Historic Forest Home Bridge
  A near century-old steel truss bridge spanning Fall Creek in Forest Home will be rehabilitated and preserved, thanks to federal funding received by Tompkins County. Three quarters of the cost of ...
11-16-2006 County Committee Endorses Sustainability Program For Tompkins County Government
  An employee-based effort to develop sustainable practices in Tompkins County government has gained key support from a committee of the county legislature. The Legislature’s Government Operations ...
11-15-2006 Little Public Comment at Very Brief Hearing on 2007 Tentative Budget
  Only two people spoke at tonight’s public hearing on Tompkins County’s proposed 2007 budget. The hearing lasted only eight minutes, but produced the first publicly voiced taxpayer sentiment opposing ...
11-14-2006 Flu Clinics Now Open to Everyone 19 Years of Age and Older
  The Tompkins County Health Department has opened its remaining flu clinics to all Tompkins County residents 19 years of age and older. All adults, regardless of their risk from complications from the ...
11-13-2006 County Awards $5,000 in Community Celebrations Grants
  Tompkins County, by action of the Legislature last week, approved grant funding to support five community celebrations, in the Fall 2006 round of the Community Celebrations Grant Program. Community ...
11-13-2006 County To Invite Public Comment on 2007 Tentative Budget at November 14 Hearing
  Tompkins County residents have a chance to tell the County Legislature what they think about the county’s proposed 2007 budget at a public budget hearing to be held Tuesday evening, one week before ...
11-08-2006 Legislature Approves Grant-Funded Partnership for Emergency Responder Training
  The Legislature, without dissent, authorized the County, through its Department of Emergency Response, to enter into an agreement with Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) to develop and deliver ...
11-08-2006 Legislature Provides Support for Nursery Project in the Town of Dryden
  The Legislature, by unanimous vote, approved a Loan and Development Agreement with RPM Ecosystems to provide a $200,000 low-interest economic development loan, under the Tompkins County Economic ...
11-08-2006 Legislature Gives Official Honor to Former District Attorney George Dentes
  The Legislature, by unanimous vote, passed a resolution honoring former District Attorney George Dentes who died suddenly last week. The resolution praises Mr. Dentes, during his 16 years as D.A., ...
11-06-2006 Snow Shovelers Needed To Assist Seniors
  It’s not too early to think about snow! With winter coming upon us, the Tompkins County Office for the Aging is updating its listing of snow shovelers. Deep snow and icy sidewalks are dangerous for ...
11-03-2006 Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division Needs Your Help
  Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division needs old calendars with pictures on them, ties and clean wearable tee shirts of all sizes. You can bring them to the Solid Waste Management ...
10-31-2006 Strides Made in Protecting Farmland in Tompkins County
  On Friday October 20th the Towns of Dryden and Lansing were informed that their grant application to the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Farmland Protection Implementation Program (FPIG) ...
10-31-2006 Tompkins County Mourns the Death of Former District Attorney George Dentes
  Tompkins County officials learned this morning of the death of former long-time District Attorney George Dentes. Mr. Dentes died of a massive heart attack this morning just outside his office in ...
10-25-2006 Tompkins County Health Department Has Flu Vaccine
  Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) will hold flu clinics in five locations in the County from October 31 through November 16. Appointments are now being made for all 5 clinics. The Health ...
10-25-2006 County Committee Commends NYSEG For Biggs Outage Help
  The county’s Facilities and Infrastructure Committee is giving official thanks to New York State Electric and Gas for invaluable assistance to county government, enabling quick recovery from the ...
10-23-2006 Board of Elections Posts Sample Ballots, Extends Hours
  Sample ballots for the November 7 General Election are now available at the Tompkins County Board of Elections, and have also been posted on their website, www.votetompkins.com. The Board will be ...
10-23-2006 Be Careful What You Dump, Advise Solid Waste Officials After Minor Fire
  The Tompkins County Solid Waste and Recycling Center was evacuated for a short time this afternoon while Ithaca Fire Department crews extinguished smoldering garbage in a trailer at the ...
10-23-2006 New Tourism Award Recognizes Individuals Who Bring Conferences, Meetings To Tompkins County
  Tourism is a powerful economic tool in upstate New York, but all too often, the impact conferences and meetings have on the local economy is overlooked. So are the individuals who invest their own ...
10-17-2006 OAR Bail Fund Increased
  By a vote of 10 to 5, the Legislature transferred $10,000 from the contingency fund to increase the bail fund for Offender Aid and Restoration. Public Safety chair Leslyn McBean-Clairborne indicated ...
10-17-2006 Legislature Takes Stand Opposing War in Iraq
  After more than a half-hour of discussion, the Legislature, by a vote of 9 to 6 “urged the federal government to commence a humane, orderly and comprehensive withdrawal of United States military ...
10-17-2006 Legislature Amends 2007 Tentative Budget
  The Legislature, by a vote of 10 to 5, adopted amendments to County Administrator Stephen Whicher’s tentative 2007 county budget, as recommended by the Legislature’s Expanded Budget Committee. The ...
10-16-2006 Expanded Budget Committee Recommends Amended Tentative 2007 Budget
  After eight sessions spanning six weeks, the process took less than half-an-hour. The Tompkins County Legislature’s Expanded Budget Committee today recommended an amended tentative Tompkins County ...
10-13-2006 Budget Committee Nears End of 2007 Budget Review
  As the Expanded Budget Committee of the Tompkins County Legislature ended its latest budget review session this evening, Chairman Michael Koplinka-Loehr said he is hopeful that his committee next ...
10-11-2006 Budget Committee Resumes 2007 Budget Review. Much Agency Funding Preserved
  After a ten-day break, the County Legislature’s Expanded Budget Committee at its third voting session tonight continued to review legislative reductions in the County Administrator’s 2007 tentative ...
10-05-2006 Power Restored to Tompkins County Health Department Building
  The Tompkins County Health Department building, Biggs Building B, once again has power, 24 hours after a building transformer was damaged during Wednesday’s electrical storm, taking out power at the ...
10-03-2006 Agency Advocates Urge Against Further Budget Cuts
  More than a dozen advocates for human services agencies receiving county funds tonight urged the Legislature not to cut their funding in the 2007 county budget. Agencies including the Community ...
10-03-2006 Legislature Commits to County Economic Development Strategy, Appoints Empire Zone Board
  The Legislature, by a vote of 14 to 1, accepted guidelines set forth in the 2006 Tompkins County Economic Development Strategy report, prepared by Tompkins County Area Development, and committed to ...
10-03-2006 State Arbitration Panel Sets Pay and Economic Provisions for Sheriff’s Department Road Patrol
  An interest arbitration panel, under the auspices of the New York State Public Employment Relations Board, has issued a majority ruling award establishing economic terms for a two-year award for ...
09-28-2006 Budget Committee Restores Some 2007 Agency Fund Cuts – County Library Not Included
  At its second voting session, the County Legislature’s Expanded Budget Committee tonight began to wrestle with the quality of life issues involved in reductions in county funding to human services ...
09-27-2006 Tompkins County and TCAT Receive Grant Funds to Improve Low-Income Commutes
  The Federal Transit Administration has awarded a grant of over $500,000 to Tompkins County and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT). The grant will be used for transportation programs that will ...
09-25-2006 Open House and Website to Select Top Scenic Views in Tompkins County
  Do you have a favorite view that you’d like to see recognized on a list of Distinctive and Noteworthy Views of Tompkins County? Do you tend to catch your breath and say “Wow” when you see certain ...
09-25-2006 County Budget Committee Begins to Modify 2007 Tentative Budget
  The County Legislature’s Expanded Budget Committee today began making recommended changes to the 2007 tentative County budget. Today’s decisions may be reconsidered at subsequent expanded committee ...
09-21-2006 Legislators Urged to Preserve Services at Community Budget Forum
  For well over an hour tonight, Tompkins County residents provided guidance to County Legislators concerning the County’s 2007 budget. More than 30 residents, most supporting agencies which receive ...
09-20-2006 Tompkins County Community Budget Forum September 21st
  Tompkins County residents will have a chance to learn about the 2007 Tompkins County tentative budget and to tell Legislators their concerns at the county’s Community Budget Forum on Thursday, ...
09-19-2006 Legislators Finish First Review of 2007 Budget
  County Legislators, acting an Expanded Budget Committee, took up nine more spending requests tonight to complete their first run-through of the County’s 2007 Tentative Budget. Much of the focus ...
09-19-2006 Legislature Ratifies Bargaining Agreement, Sheriff’s Employees Union: Civil Employees and Issues Not Subject to Arbitration
  The Legislature (by a vote of 11 to 4) ratified a tentative contract agreement between Tompkins County, the Tompkins County Sheriff and the Employees Unit of the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department. ...
09-14-2006 Legislators Told Projected 2007 Budget Cuts Will Hurt County Library
  The Director of the Tompkins County Public Library tonight told County Legislators spending reductions proposed in the 2007 Tentative Budget would be “extremely harmful” for the library, producing ...
09-13-2006 Tompkins County Receives Federal Transit Grant
  Tompkins County has received a nearly $700,000 Federal Transit Administration grant, which will purchase a hybrid-fueled transit bus and renovate two downtown Ithaca bus stops. The County applied ...
09-11-2006 Human Services Representatives Predict Severe Impacts From 2007 Tentative Budget
  Agency representatives and department heads told County Legislators today that budget reductions contained in Tompkins County’s tentative 2007 budget would eliminate valuable programs, reduce outside ...
09-06-2006 Workshop for Community Celebrations Grants
  Grants of up to $2,000 are now available to groups planning an observance, commemoration, celebration, inauguration, or any other "red letter day" or salute that has meaning for the community. ...
09-06-2006 County Legislators Begin 2007 Budget Review
  Listening to more than a dozen department heads and agency representatives over four hours, Tompkins County legislators, meeting as an Expanded Budget Committee, today took the first steps toward ...
09-06-2006 Administrator Presents No-Growth Tentative Budget. Does Not Recommend Adoption
  Tompkins County Administrator Stephen Whicher has delivered to the County Legislature a 2007 Tentative Budget that meets the Legislature’s goal of holding the tax rate steady at this year’s level. ...
09-05-2006 Legislature Narrowly Approves Real Estate Transfer Tax
  By a vote of 8 to 7, the Legislature approved a much-debated Local Law, which will impose a local tax on the transfer of real property, effective December 1. The vote followed nearly an hour of ...
09-01-2006 Tourism board seeking two representatives: restaurant & arts
  The Strategic Tourism Planning Board needs to fill two vacancies – one from the restaurant industry and one representing the arts. Tompkins County residents are invited to apply no later than ...
09-01-2006 Tompkins County Health Department Reports Pertussis Outbreak
  Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. Since June ...
08-28-2006 Study Finds Lack of Affordable Housing in Tompkins County
  A newly completed needs assessment, sponsored by the Tompkins County Planning Department, identifies a current lack of affordable housing in Tompkins County and forecasts that the need for such ...
08-28-2006 County Administrator Updates Budget Committee on 2007 Budget Progress
  One week before he must submit a recommended 2007 Tompkins County budget to the Tompkins County Legislature, County Administrator Stephen Whicher today gave the Legislature’s Budget and Capital ...
08-24-2006 County Office for the Aging Receives State Grant
  The Tompkins County Office for the Aging has been awarded $40,000 from the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal to provide home repairs for low-income senior homeowners. The ...
08-23-2006 Tompkins Employees Do Their Part to Address Local Blood Shortage
  A recent blood drive sponsored by Tompkins County employees collected 52 pints of blood, an amount that organizers note will help as many as 156 people in need of blood or blood products. The ...
08-18-2006 Assessment Reports STAR Rebates Coming
  This fall, eligible homeowners will receive a rebate check from the State of New York for a portion of their local property taxes. The check will be issued by the New York State Tax Department. The ...
08-18-2006 Get Ready For The 2006 Elections! Board Of Elections Announces Polling Place Changes
  The Tompkins County Board of Elections has changed the location of six polling sites and is notifying voters, beginning this week. Two of the changes are in the City of Ithaca; three are in the Town ...
08-16-2006 County Welcomes New Citizens
  Tompkins County Supreme Court will swear in 45 new citizens of the United States, representing more than 22 foreign countries, on Thursday, August 17th, at 1:30 p.m. in the main courtroom of the ...
08-16-2006 Brothers Honored as Distinguished Youth
  Fourteen-year-old Peter and 17-year-old Donald Quinn-Jacobs, of Sodom Road in Dryden, were chosen as the August recipients of the Tompkins County Distinguished Youth Award. Nominated by local ...
08-15-2006 Real Estate Transfer Tax Vote Delayed Again
  The Legislature once again postponed action on the proposed local law that would create a local tax on the transfer of real property, since the Governor still has not yet signed enabling state ...
08-15-2006 Holmes Appointed New Aging Office Director
  By unanimous vote (with two Legislators absent), the Legislature confirmed the appointment of Lisa Holmes as Director of the Tompkins County Office For the Aging. The County’s Aging Services ...
08-14-2006 Absentee Ballots Now Available
  Absentee ballots for the September 12 Primary Election are now available at the Tompkins County Board of Elections. You must be a member of the party holding a Primary in order to vote in it. This ...
08-14-2006 Tompkins County Breaks Ground For Public Safety Communications System
  With a sense of accomplishment and expressing high hopes, Tompkins County officials today broke ground to kick off construction of the County’s new Public Safety Communications System. The new, ...
08-11-2006 County Administrator Provides Initial Report On 2007 Budget Process
  Following a preliminary review of 2007 departmental budget requests, Tompkins County Administrator Stephen Whicher tells county department heads he expects their requests must be reduced by at least ...
08-11-2006 Airport Manager Advises Passengers Concerning Federal Security Measures
  Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport Manager Bob Nicholas advises passengers to arrive at least one hour early for departing flights, to avoid unnecessary delays because of increased screening in view of ...
08-11-2006 County To Break Ground For Public Safety Communications System
  At the beginning of next week, Tompkins County officials will turn the first ceremonial shovels of earth to celebrate the start of construction for the County’s long-awaited Public Safety ...
08-08-2006 Health Department Telephone Problems
  The Tompkins County Health Department is having sporadic problems with its telephone system. If you are having trouble getting through or if your call is cut off, the Department advises you to ...
08-02-2006 Legislature Supports Continued Density Incentive Program
  By a vote of 9 to 5 (1 Legislator was absent), the Legislature endorsed for another five years extension of the City of Ithaca Density Incentive Program administered by the Tompkins County Industrial ...
08-01-2006 Residents Urged To Take Care During The Current Heat Wave - Update
  With a National Weather Service Excessive Heat Warning is in effect through Wednesday afternoon, local officials are encouraging everyone to take precautionary measures to avoid heat related ...
08-01-2006 Decision Delayed On Local Real Estate Transfer Tax
  The Legislature listened to public comment concerning a proposed local law which would authorize a County tax on real estate transfers, charged to the sellers of real property. Lawmakers, however, ...
08-01-2006 Legislature Establishes Rural Small Business Loan Program
  By unanimous consent, with one Legislator absent, the Legislature formalized the Rural Small Business Loan Program as an ongoing activity of the Tompkins County Economic Development Revolving Loan ...
07-19-2006 Legislature Adopts Tompkins County Diversity Policy Guidelines
  As part of its ongoing effort to increase diversity and inclusion related to the County government’s workforce, the Legislature (by a vote of 12 to 2; Legislator Michael Koplinka-Loehr was absent) ...
07-19-2006 Public Hearing Scheduled, Proposed County Transfer Tax
  By a vote of 8 to 6 (Legislator Michael Koplinka-Loehr was absent), the Tompkins County Legislature voted to hold a public hearing on a proposed Local Law which would authorize a Countywide tax on ...
07-19-2006 Charles Whitsell Awarded Distinguished Youth Award
  Thirteen-year-old Charles Whitsell of Groton was chosen as the latest recipient of the Tompkins County Distinguished Youth Award. Nominated by Viola Fitzgerald of Groton Youth Services, Charles was ...
07-11-2006 Banks Road Bridge Closed
  Because of structural bridge deterioration caused by the flooding of June 28th, the Tompkins County Highway Department has closed the Banks Road bridge in the Town of Caroline, effective immediately. ...
07-06-2006 2007 Budget, Legislature Provides Fiscal Directives for a 0% Tax Rate Increase
  The Legislature voted (12 to 1; 2 Legislators were absent) to set 2007 Budget parameters for all County budgeting units that limit expansion of the County’s Budget to a maximum tax levy increase of ...
07-06-2006 Legislature Urges President Bush to Stop Warrantless Surveillance of Americans
  The Legislature voted (9 to 4; 2 Legislators were absent) to pass a resolution “Urging President Bush to Stop Warrantless Surveillance of Americans and to Follow the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance ...
06-29-2006 Old 76 Road Closing
  Due to the washout of an underground pipe during heavy rains, the Tompkins County Highway Department has closed a portion of Old 76 Road in the Town of Caroline. Access from Central Chapel Road ...
06-29-2006 Flood Relief: Tompkins County Assists Neighboring Counties
  June 29, 2006 As of 8:00 a.m. today, Tompkins County emergency resources have been deployed to Broome County to assist in the response efforts to severe flooding. Units were requested through a ...
06-22-2006 WWII Flying Fortress to Visit Ithaca
  Take a "Sentimental Journey" on a Historic Bomber. The Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will be flying their B-17 Flying Fortress into the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport on ...
06-21-2006 Citizens and Emergency Responders Honored for Selfless Acts
  By unanimous vote, the Legislature passed a resolution in appreciation of the selfless acts of Joseph and Karen Philip, Brian Meyers, and Emergency Responders, who provided assistance to Elsie and ...
06-21-2006 Legislature Endorses State Bills to Address Health Insurance Crisis
  The Legislature voted (12 to 2; 1 Legislator was absent) to endorse Assembly bills A6575, A6576, 10583, and Senate bills S3459 and S7090 which aim to address the growing health insurance crisis in ...
06-21-2006 Legislature Honors Mathew Watros Jr. with the Distinguished Youth Award
  In recognition of his service as a volunteer member of the Newfield Fire Company, the Legislature honored Mathew Watros Jr. with the Distinguished Youth Award. Kevin Wall, Chief of the Newfield Fire ...
06-15-2006 OAR's 30th Anniversary Annual Meeting
  Offender Aid & Restoration of Tompkins County, Inc. (OAR) cordially invites you and your guests to attend our annual meeting to celebrate OAR’s 30th ANNIVERSARY. The theme of the anniversary meeting ...
06-07-2006 Ratification of Bargaining Agreement, Local 2062 Union
  The Legislature unanimously voted to ratify a bargaining agreement with Correction Officers Local 2062 Union for the years 2006, 2007, and 2008. Local 2062 Union represents 40 corrections officers ...
06-07-2006 Public Hearing Scheduled, TC3 Budget
  2006-2007 TOMPKINS CORTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPERATING BUDGET On June 20, 2006, the Tompkins County Legislature will hold a public hearing in regards to the 2006-2007 Tompkins Cortland Community ...
06-07-2006 Legislature Authorizes Funds for Countywide Beautification
  By unanimous vote, the Legislature authorized $29,945 in Room Tax funds for the beautification of major gateways to the Tompkins County community. The funds will be used for landscape plantings to ...
05-17-2006 Legislature Honors Thomas Schwartz with the Distinguished Youth Award
  In recognition of his service as a volunteer member of the Danby Volunteer Fire Company, the Legislature honored Thomas Schwartz with the Distinguished Youth Award. Thomas joined the Danby Volunteer ...
05-17-2006 Charge For A Management Strategic Planning Team
  The Legislature voted (11 to 2; 2 Legislators were absent) to charge the County Administrator to work with a Management Team to develop a strategic plan based on the Focus Area recommendations ...
05-17-2006 Establishment of 2007 County Financial Goals
  The Legislature passed a resolution (8 to 6; 1 Legislator absent) to establish a goal of a maximum tax levy increase of 2.8% and a 0% tax rate change for the 2007 Budget. As part of the budget ...
04-24-2006 Sales and Use Tax in Tompkins County
  As of April 1, 2006, New York State implemented a year-round exemption of State sales and uses taxes for clothing, footwear, and items used to make or repair exempt clothing, costing less than ...
04-19-2006 Legislature Supports Changes in Medicare Part D
  The Legislature voted (9 to 3; 3 Legislators were absent) to support Federal legislation aimed at fixing the major problems with Medicare Part D. The resolution urges passage of Federal legislation ...
04-14-2006 New Fee Structure for Pick-up Trucks and Full Sized Vans at the Recycling and Solid Waste Center
  On April 17, 2006, the Tompkins County Solid Waste Division will implement a 3-tiered fee structure for pick-up trucks and full sized vans. The new fee structure is as follows: Weight, Flat ...
04-07-2006 Six High School Students Honored with the Distinguished Youth Award
  In recognition of their dedication and commitment as youth members of the Ithaca City School District Board, the Legislature presented six high school students with the Distinguished Youth Award. ...
03-30-2006 Unpaid 2006 Town/County Property Tax Bills
  The Tompkins County Finance Department reminds the public that after April 1, 2006, the Towns will be turning unpaid 2006 Town/County Property Tax Bills over to the County for collection. Prior to ...
03-22-2006 REMINDER – March 31st is the Deadline to Contest a Preliminary Notice of Assessment Change
  On February 23, 2006, the Department of Assessment mailed 7,300 Preliminary Notices of Assessment Change to property owners whose assessment has changed since the 2005 Final Assessment Roll. Property ...
03-22-2006 Legislature Honors Flora Gross Sagan with a Resolution of Gratitude
  By unanimous vote, the Legislature recognized the volunteer work and efforts of Flora Gross Sagan to improve the lives of Tompkins County citizens affected by serious mental illness. Ms. Sagan was ...
03-10-2006 Legislature Authorizes Lease to Own Financing for Countywide Emergency Communications System
  The Legislature unanimously voted (13 to 0; 2 Legislators were absent), authorizing the County Administrator to execute a Master Lease Agreement with Chase Equipment Leasing Corporation in the amount ...
01-13-2006 County Administrator Recommends Three-Year Assessment Notices
  Tompkins County Administrator Steve Whicher recommends the County move from a one-year to a three-year assessment cycle. He delivered his recommendation at a special meeting of the Government ...
12-21-2005 Legislature Approves Emergency Communications Project
  The Legislature has approved several actions that formally launch the County’s new Public Safety Communications System (PSCS). The Findings Statement that describes the environmental impact and any ...
12-13-2005 Communications System Gains Committee Approval for Start in 2006
  The Public Safety Committee of the Tompkins County Legislature has given its unanimous approval to several actions that move the long-awaited countywide emergency communications system closer to a ...
11-16-2005 No Increase in County Tax Levy for 2006
  On November 15, the County Legislature voted 14 to 1 to approve a 2006 County budget that holds the property tax levy (total amount of County property tax collected) at the 2005 level. The ...
11-16-2005 County Will Receive $3.6 Million in Tobacco Bond Refinancing
  Tompkins County will receive $3,659,502 as a result of refinancing its outstanding tobacco settlement bonds. The proceeds of the bond refinancing will be used to support a portion of the County’s ...
11-16-2005 Winch Resigns from Legislature; Stevenson Will Step in
  Retiring Tompkins County Legislator Daniel Winch (R-Enfield/Newfield) has announced that he is resigning his seat on the Legislature as of November 30. Winch stated personal reasons that will keep ...
10-27-2005 County to Hold Public Hearing on Communications System DEIS
  A public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Tompkins County Public Safety Communications System will be held at 5 p.m., Thursday, November 3 in the County Courthouse ...
10-25-2005 Tentative Budget Reduces Tax Levy and Rate
  On October 18, the County Legislature unanimously approved the Tentative 2006 Tompkins County Budget, with 14 members present. The Legislature improved slightly on its goal of a zero percent property ...
10-25-2005 Public Comment Accepted on DEIS for Public Safety Communications System
  The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Public Safety Communications System is now available for public review and comment. Public comments on the DEIS will be accepted in two ...
10-18-2005 Environment Review of Public Safety Communications System Will Be Released October 19
  A public information meeting will be held 5 - 7:30 pm, Wednesday, October 19 to introduce the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the County's Public Safety Communications System. The ...
10-04-2005 Legislators Recommend Funding for One Additional Sheriff's Deputy
  The Expanded Budget Committee of the County Legislature met September 29 and made several recommended changes to the 2006 tentative County budget, including the addition of one Sheriff’s road patrol ...
10-04-2005 Expanded Budget Commitee Continues 2006 Deliberations
  The County's Expanded Budget Committee, at which any attending Legislator may vote, will continue combing through the 2006 tentative budget 5 - 9 p.m. October 5. At this meeting, the committee is ...
09-07-2005 Pittsburgh Air Service Returns to Ithaca
  Starting November 9, USAirways will offer once-daily nonstop service between Ithaca and Pittsburgh. The new service complements the existing nonstop service from Ithaca to New York La Guardia, ...
09-02-2005 Recommended Budget Meets Zero Tax Increase Goal
  Tompkins County Administrator Steve Whicher has presented a recommended 2006 Tentative Budget to the County Legislature. Whicher’s recommendations meet the Legislature’s directive to produce a ...
08-17-2005 Legislature Accepts -- But Does Not Adopt -- Building Report
  The Legislature focused on whether to “accept” or “adopt” the controversial final report of the Space Needs and Location Committee. The report, discussed at length at the Legislature meeting two ...
08-16-2005 Visual Impact Testing for Communications Towers is Under Way
  A second balloon test for visual impact of a proposed public safety communications tower is scheduled to take place Wednesday, August 17 in the Town of Caroline. EDR, Inc, an environmental review ...
08-03-2005 Committee Recommendation: County Needs New Buildings
  Frank Proto, chair of the Space Needs & Location Committee, reported at the August 2 County Legislature meeting that the committee has recommended the County begin design and construction of at least ...
08-03-2005 Environmental Review of Communications System is Under Way
  Lee Shurtleff, the County’s Director of Emergency Response, reported to the County Legislature on the progress of the upgrade of the Public Safety Communications System – the countywide emergency ...
07-14-2005 Airport Passenger Count Up 30 Percent
  Officials report that commercial passenger traffic at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport was 30 percent higher in June 2005 than in June 2004. Northwest Airlines, which started two Ithaca-Detroit ...
07-06-2005 County Adopts Diversity Statement
  As part of ongoing efforts to increase diversity and inclusion among Tompkins County government’s workforce, the Legislature unanimously (14 present; Barbara Blanchard was absent) adopted a diversity ...
06-23-2005 Legislature Aims for Zero-Increase Budget
  Tompkins County Administrator Steve Whicher has received his instructions: Bring the Legislature a recommended 2006 budget that does not increase the County property tax levy – the total amount of ...
06-16-2005 Air Traffic Up 21 Percent at Regional Airport
  The number of passengers getting on and off commercial airliners at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport in May increased 21 percent over the previous year. Airport statistics show 7,209 passengers ...
06-16-2005 County Budget Committee Makes Key Decisions
  County Poised to Pay $620,000 for TC3 Capital Project -- Tompkins County’s Budget and Capital Committee approved a cash payment of $620,000 to assist Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) in ...
05-18-2005 Legislators Set Zero Percent Tax Levy Goal
  At their meeting May 17, County Legislators set a goal for no tax levy increase in the 2006 budget. The levy is the total amount of property tax collected in the county. The zero percent goal implies ...
05-04-2005 County is Looking at Ten-Site Emergency Communications System
  At a special presentation to the County Legislature on May 3, Lee Shurtleff, the County’s Director of Emergency Response, outlined the potential design for the Public Safety Communications System ...
04-12-2005 Committee Approves Proposed Communications System Design
  Tompkins County has moved a step closer to having a final design for its long-awaited emergency communications system. The Public Safety Communications System project team has reviewed several system ...
04-06-2005 County Cost for Storm Damage Estimated at $75,000 - $100,000
  As a result of heavy rains and localized flooding over the weekend of April 2 - 3, the County Highway Division has estimated the County’s cost for repairs to roads and bridges to be $75,000 to ...
04-06-2005 Northwest's Debut at Regional Airport Starts with Fare Sale
  Northwest Airlines announced a fare sale beginning April 5 with low introductory prices for travel from the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. Tickets must be purchased by April 19, 2005 and are ...
03-14-2005 Tompkins Residents Save $17,000 with Free Rx Card
  In just six weeks, Tompkins County residents have saved almost $17,000 on prescription medicines by using the free TompkinsRx discount card. According to a report from CaremarkRx, the company that ...
01-27-2005 County Approves Proposal to Bring Northwest Airlines to Ithaca
  Northwest Airlines may be offering flights from the Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport as early as May, 2005. The Tompkins County Legislature agreed in a unanimous vote January 18 to authorize final ...
12-22-2004 State Names County Historian "Historian of the Year"
  The Regents of the University of the State of New York recently named Carol Kammen Public Historian of the Year. Kammen is the historian for Tompkins County. The county historian is an appointed ...
12-22-2004 Legislature Approves County Comprehensive Plan
  Culminating over two years of work and public input, the Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the County Legislature. The plan is based on principles and policies that can be used to ...
12-20-2004 County Plan Receives Strong Municipal Support
  The Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan has garnered strong support from municipal elected bodies around the county. According to County Planning Commissioner Edward Marx, eight municipalities have ...
11-10-2004 Committee Approves Rx Discount Card
  Tompkins County’s Health and Human Services Committee has authorized the signing of a contract with a prescription drug management firm that will make available to any County resident a discount ...
11-10-2004 County Budget Vote on November 16
  The County Legislature is scheduled to vote on adoption of the 2005 County budget November 16 at its regular meeting, which starts at 5:30 pm in the County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca. ...
10-20-2004 Legislature Approves 2005 Tentative County Budget
  The Legislature approved the tentative (proposed) County budget for 2005 by a vote of 12 to 3, at its regular meeting October 19. The total allocation, including state and federal pass-through funds ...
10-20-2004 IDA Bonds Okayed for Ithaca College
  The County Legislature voted 14 to 1 at its October 19 meeting to approve the issuance by the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) of up to $32 million in tax-exempt bonds for building ...
10-20-2004 Housing Grant Turned Down
  Tompkins County’s 2004 application for a $600,000 grant for its first-time homeownership program has been turned down. Kathy Luz Herrera, chair of the Planning, Development, and Environmental Quality ...
10-15-2004 Committee Settles on Proposed Budget
  Tompkins County’s Expanded Budget Committee concluded its work on October 15 on a proposed County budget for 2005. The budget, which includes $63,681,119 of locally funded services, programs, and ...
10-14-2004 Legislators to Meet in Continued Budget Review
  Possibly nearing the end of its review of the 2005 recommended County budget, the Expanded Budget Committee will meet again 1 – 5 p.m., Friday, October 15. At that meeting, Legislators will discuss ...
09-30-2004 Budget Committee Adds $750,000 to Capital Program
  On September 27, the Expanded Budget Committee of the Tompkins County Legislature made amendments to the recommended 2005 County budget that would raise the tax levy by 5.29 percent. The tax levy is ...
09-30-2004 Legislators Unfreeze Their Salaries
  Eight members of the Expanded Budget Committee of the Tompkins County Legislature voted on September 29 to increase Legislator salaries – frozen for the past two years – by $500. In each of the past ...
09-30-2004 Survey Provides Information About County Seniors
  The results of a survey of 393 Tompkins County seniors is now posted on the Office for the Aging website. The 2004 Senior Needs Assessment was conducted ...
09-22-2004 Few Changes So Far to 2005 Recommended Budget
  After two meetings of the Expanded Budget Committee, the recommended tax levy for 2005 has changed very little. Committee chair Michael Koplinka-Loehr has held the focus of the meetings to ...
09-22-2004 Jail Expansion Approved; Construction Possible in 2006
  Tompkins County has formally included in its capital plan a renovation and expansion project at the Public Safety Building on Warren Road. By a vote of 11 to 4, the County Legislature committed to ...
09-22-2004 County Calls on State for Mandate Relief
  The Legislature unanimously passed a resolution calling on the State government to put a cap on the local share of Medicaid costs and to fully fund any new mandates (required services) that may be ...
09-03-2004 County Administrator's Recommended 2005 Budget Holds Taxes Down
  Tompkins County Administrator Steve Whicher released his recommended 2005 budget today. If the budget is approved as presented, the total amount of County property taxes collected would increase by ...
08-19-2004 2005-2009 Capital Program Recommendations Now Available
  Tompkins County Administrator Steve Whicher has delivered to the Legislature a recommended capital program for 2005 – 2009. The recommendation would increase County costs for capital programs by a ...
08-19-2004 August 31 Forum Addresses Jail, County Exec
  The Tompkins County Legislature is holding a “County Issues” forum to inform the public and invite input on two major topics: possible renovation and expansion of the Public Safety Building; and ...
07-27-2004 County Studies Jail Options
  On July 20, Jeff Buck of Jacobs Facilities, the County’s consultant on jail design, presented the Legislature with several options for expansion and renovation of the Tompkins County Public Safety ...
07-21-2004 Sales Tax Continues Upswing
  Finance Director David Squires reports that County sales tax receipts at midyear are up 12.4 percent over last year at this time. Through the end of June, the County’s receipts are $1,378,000 ahead ...
07-21-2004 Citizen Group to Study Local Income Tax
  Legislature Chair Tim Joseph announced appointments to an Income Tax Study Committee that will examine the feasibility of a local income tax surcharge as a substitute for property tax and how it ...
06-16-2004 Mental Health's DeLuca Honored; Interim Commissioner Named
  The Legislature honored retiring Commissioner of Mental Health Services Anthony “Bart” DeLuca with a resolution recounting the accomplishment of his 27-year career with Tompkins County. DeLuca became ...
06-16-2004 State Legislation Will Eliminate Gun Training for Unarmed Officers
  Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in Albany to eliminate mandatory firearm training for unarmed peace officers, including probation officers. The legislation, introduced by Assemblywoman ...
06-09-2004 Communications Project Moves Ahead
  Peter Penniman, Chair of the Legislature’s Communications Capital Projects reports on progress of the Public Safety Communication System upgrade. (First published in the Ithaca Journal, June 8, ...
05-26-2004 County, College to Share Communications Tower
  Tompkins County is preparing for the next step in rebuilding the countywide emergency communications system used by first responders. At the Communications Capital Projects (ComCap) Committee May 20, ...
05-26-2004 DSS Has Healthy 2003 Year-End Report
  The Department of Social Services (DSS) finished the 2003 budget year in the black, Tompkins County officials have reported. Primarily as a result of one-time revenues, the department’s local costs ...
05-26-2004 County Upset By Mandated Firearm Training for Unarmed Probation Officers
  Probation officers in New York State – who fall into the category of “peace officer” along with police, corrections officers, and even SPCA officers – are required to have firearm training, but in ...
04-28-2004 County Legislature Sets Preliminary Budget Goals
  Thirteen members of the Tompkins County Legislature met in an informal retreat April 27 to look at 2005 budget forecasts and set preliminary guidelines for the County Administrator to use in ...
04-26-2004 Homeless Youth Report
  A group of young people who have experienced homelessness presented a report in April to the County Legislature on the plight of homeless youth in Tompkins County. The young people worked with youth ...
04-26-2004 Panel Recommends Changes to County Budget Process
  The Budget Community Advisory Panel, a 10-member group with representatives from the business, not-for-profit, local government, and higher education communities, has met six times to analyze the ...
03-17-2004 County Rejects Increase in Mortgage Tax
  The Legislature has rejected a proposal to add 0.25 percent to the existing mortgage recording tax. The tax would have raised an estimated $170,000 for the 2004 budget year and as much as $600,000 in ...
03-17-2004 Raise Minimum Wage, Say Legislators
  The Legislature voted 11 to 3 to support State legislation that would raise the minimum wage in New York State from $5.15 to a maximum of $7.10 an hour by the year 2006. If enacted, the legislation ...
03-17-2004 Legislators Agree to Streamline Budget Process
  The County is revamping its budget process, and approval of a revised calendar of budget activities is a significant step toward change. By a vote of 10 – 4, the Legislature agreed to several ...
02-18-2004 Legislature Passes Expanded Anti-Discrimination Law
  By a vote of 11 to 4, the Legislature passed a local law that adds “gender identity and expression” to existing County anti-discrimination legislation. The vote followed a well-attended public ...
02-05-2004 County Wary of Proposals in Governor's Budget
  Governor Pataki’s 2004-2005 Executive Budget contains a blend of cuts in state aid and phased-in Medicaid relief to counties – but County officials here are skeptical about the overall result. At the ...
01-15-2004 State Looks at Medicaid Reform
  Two recent reports, one released by the NYS Senate Medicaid Reform Task Force in December 2003, and an interim report prepared for the Governor and released on January 13, 2004, tackle the question ...
01-07-2004 Highlights of January 6, 2004 meeting of County Legislature --
  JOSEPH TO CHAIR LEGISLATURE IN 2004 By an 11 - 3 vote of his fellow Legislators, Tim Joseph (D - Town of Ithaca, West) was elected to a third annual term as Chair of the Legislature. Joseph’s ...
01-02-2004 Regional, Statewide Media Conferences Focus on Medicaid Reform
  Counties want Medicaid reform at the state level. That’s the message that will be conveyed at eight regional media conferences on Monday and Tuesday and at a statewide media event in Albany on ...
12-23-2003 Ethics Board Issues Decision
  The Tompkins County Ethics Advisory Board has issued a decision in response to complaints made by Joseph Wetmore against City of Ithaca Alderwoman Patricia Vaughan, Mayor Alan Cohen, and Alderman ...
12-18-2003 Highlights of December 16 meeting of County Legislature
  SALES TAX REVENUES CONTINUE AT HIGHER LEVELS -- County Finance Director David Squires reported that sales tax revenues for the past seven months have been higher than last year’s. If December's ...
12-04-2003 Legislature Passes 2004 Budget
  The Tompkins County Legislature adopted the 2004 County Budget at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2003. The budget, which passed by a 9 – 6 vote, will increase the County ...
12-04-2003 Hinchey Secures $500,000 for County Communications System
  Congressman Maurice Hinchey announced yesterday that Tompkins County will receive $500,000 to help fund its Public Safety Communications System project. County Legislator Barbara Blanchard said today ...
11-13-2003 Carey is New DSS Commissioner
  Patricia Carey was sworn in as the new Tompkins County Commissioner of Social Services, taking over the top spot from Mary Pat Dolan, Commissioner since 1984. The swearing-in ceremony took place ... Carey is New DSS Commissioner
11-13-2003 Four Communities Receive Revitalization Grants
  On November 5, the County Legislature approved four Commercial Center Revitalization grants to the following communities: -- Newfield community, for construction of a path near the restored Zenas ...
11-04-2003 State Commission of Correction Eases Pressure on County
  Within days of receiving an information packet detailing plans for an expanded and renovated Tompkins County jail, the New York State Commission of Correction has given the County a slight reprieve. ... State Commission of Correction Eases Pressure on County
11-03-2003 Proposed 2004 Budget Adds 19.65 Percent to Tax Rate
  Tompkins County’s Expanded Budget Committee has approved a 2004 Proposed Budget. The total County budget for 2004 is estimated at $117 million. The proposed local share – that is, the portion of ... Proposed 2004 Budget Adds 19.65 Percent to Tax Rate
11-03-2003 Public Hearing on 2004 Budget
  The last of three public input meetings on the proposed 2004 Tompkins County budget will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, November 10, at Boynton Middle School. Members of the County Legislature will hear ...
10-17-2003 County Legislature Committee Has Cut $1.4 from 2004 Budget
  Tompkins County’s Expanded Budget Committee has cut a total of $1.4 million from the 2004 budget proposal so far, reducing programs ranging from the Sheriff’s Office, to Alternatives to ...
10-17-2003 Public Safety Committee Endorses $15.75 Million Jail Plan
  Tompkins County’s Public Safety Committee voted today to pursue a jail expansion option that will increase the current capacity of the jail to 104 beds, at an estimated cost of $15,750,000. The ...
10-14-2003 PUSH BACK Against State Tax Policy
  Tim Joseph, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, explains the root causes of the 2004 funding dilemma. On October 14, Joseph delivered the following speech to a group of about 60 community ...
09-16-2003 OTB May Be Put to Popular Vote
  Within days of the County Legislature's 8-7 vote to allow Off Track Betting (OTB) in Tompkins County, a group of citizens declared their intention to gather enough signatures to put the matter on the ... OTB May Be Put to Popular Vote
09-16-2003 Legislature Okays Bonds for Medical Center
  The Legislature voted unanimously to approve the issuance of $20 million in tax-free bonds for a multi-faceted project being planned by Cayuga Medical Center. The bond issuer is the Industrial ...
09-03-2003 5% Budget Would Cut Programs and Jobs
  A “5% percent scenario” budget for 2004 shows how funding for programs and staff could be reduced to arrive at a 5 percent County property tax rate increase. The scenario cuts an additional $5.6 ... 5% Budget Would Cut Programs and Jobs
09-03-2003 County Joins Off Track Betting Corporation
  By a vote of 8-7, the Tompkins County Legislature approved a resolution that will bring Off Track Betting (OTB) to Tompkins County – unless citizens disagree via a public referendum. County officials ...

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