Legislature approves $50,000 for tenant legal help after resident found dead at Asteri building After lawmakers were informed that a Tompkins County resident connected to the Asteri building was found dead, the Legislature authorized $50,000 in contingent funds to support legal assistance for eligible tenants and asked for a 90‑day implementation report.

In a shocking turn of events, the Tompkins County Legislature has approved $50,000 for legal aid after a resident was tragically found dead in the troubled Asteri building, highlighting urgent tenant issues in the community.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #TenantRights #PublicHealth

Tompkins County forms working group to study Flock cameras after months of public concern After weeks of public comment, the Tompkins County Legislature voted to form a working group to review the county's use of Flock surveillance cameras and added related agenda items for legal and housing supports; public speakers urged immediate cancellation before a contract renewal deadline.

Tompkins County is taking a close look at Flock vehicle-tracking cameras after residents raised serious privacy concerns—will they pull the plug before the contract renewal deadline?

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PrivacyConcerns

Tompkins County committee approves EMS certificate‑of‑need application, adopts county emergency management plan The Tompkins County Public Safety Committee unanimously authorized applying for a countywide EMS certificate of need and adopted a countywide Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, moving the county toward coordinated emergency response and town‑level annex development.

Tompkins County is taking a major step towards enhancing emergency services with a unanimous vote to apply for a countywide EMS certificate of need and adopt a comprehensive management plan.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #EmergencyManagement #CommunityResilience

Residents and faith leaders urge transparency, call to end Flock Safety camera contract Multiple residents and faith leaders urged Tompkins County officials to reject renewal of the Flock Safety camera contract, citing privacy risks, potential cross‑jurisdictional subpoenas and a demand that the Flock working group hold public, transparent meetings.

Residents and faith leaders are demanding transparency and privacy protections, urging Tompkins County to reject the Flock Safety camera contract before it's too late.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #PrivacyRights

Tompkins County board reviews 2025–2030 CHIP priorities; perinatal mental‑health screening and mammogram access discussed County public‑health staff presented the draft 2025–2030 Community Health Improvement Plan priorities (housing, nutrition security, substance‑use prevention, perinatal care, chronic disease) and sought board input on interventions including prenatal/postpartum mental‑health screening and a mammogram scheduling pilot; staff noted a reported 53% mammography rate among Medicaid‑eligible women in the cited data.

Tompkins County is gearing up to tackle pressing health issues with bold interventions in housing, nutrition, and perinatal care as part of their 2025-2030 Community Health Improvement Plan!

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #MaternalHealthAccess #TompkinsCountyPublicHealth #CitizenPortal

📞 Kristopher Buchan
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Tompkins Cortland Real Estate
📱 607-745-8553
📧 Kris@TCREstate.com
#Sold #JustSold #GrotonNY #TompkinsCounty #CortlandCounty #FingerLakesRealEstate #UpstateNYHomes #RealEstateExpert #TCREstate #KristopherBuchan

I prefer this response

In #TompkinsCounty, residents are fortunate that our County Sheriff #DerekOsborne is NOT one of these MAGA bullies attacking fair elections. He's up for re-election!

In November, please #VoteBlue #UpAndDownTheBallot.

Committee moves Newfield covered bridge insurance question to facilities committee after learning bridge is uninsured Staff told the committee the historic Newfield Covered Bridge lost commercial coverage and the only market quote would have cost about $53,000 a year; the committee agreed to refer the matter to Facilities & Infrastructure for inspection and further review rather than commit to permanent self-insurance.

The historic Newfield Covered Bridge is currently uninsured, and the only replacement option would cost a staggering $53,000 annually—sparking urgent discussions on its future.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #RiskManagement #PublicSafety #InfrastructurePreservation

County assessor pauses annual reassessments, sets 2026 level of assessment at 95% and outlines Tyler conversion Tompkins County's assessor told the committee the office will pause annual reassessments for now, set the 2026 assessment level at 95% of market value, and move to Tyler Technologies' enterprise assessment system with an anticipated July 1, 2027 go-live.

The Tompkins County assessor has hit pause on annual reassessments to tackle a growing backlog while gearing up for a major database upgrade—what does this mean for your property taxes?

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #DataQuality #PublicAccess #TompkinsCountyAssessments

Committee adopts TCAT oversight manual and DBE plan, and approves annual financial-disclosure list The committee approved a county purchasing oversight manual for TCAT to address FTA review findings, adopted a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program plan required by the FTA, and adopted the annual list of officers required to file financial-disclosure statements.

Tompkins County is taking major steps to enhance transit compliance and support small businesses with a new oversight manual and updated DBE plan.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #ProcurementEthics #CitizenPortal #TompkinsCountyTransit #FTACompliance #DisadvantagedBusiness

Advisory board urges county to address local "news desert"; communications director outlines digital and outreach plans The Public Information Advisory Board urged Tompkins County to support local journalism and broaden public notice distribution. County communications staff outlined a $15,000 America250 grant, an intranet for staff, and plans to evaluate AI chatbots and media-monitoring tools.

Tompkins County is launching initiatives to combat the local news desert and enhance public engagement, with plans for community forums and innovative digital tools.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #LocalJournalism #DigitalInnovation #PublicOutreach

Tompkins County urges Congress to preserve Inflation Reduction Act local tax credits and accepts related credits pending federal approval The legislature passed a member-file resolution urging Congress to preserve local-government clean-energy tax credits in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and approved a county action to accept pending IRA clean-energy tax credits for county projects, citing roughly $1.7–1.8M in potential county credits.

Tompkins County is fighting to secure nearly $2 million in clean-energy tax credits that could be a game-changer for local projects, but time is running out!

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #TaxCredits #CitizenPortal #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #TompkinsCountyCleanEnergy

Residents and service providers press Tompkins County for better CodeBlue oversight and shelter follow‑up Multiple public speakers told the legislature about deteriorating conditions in contracted CodeBlue hotels, hazardous encampments, and maintenance and safety problems at supportive‑housing sites; outreach providers asked for stronger DSS oversight, grievance procedures and trauma‑informed training.

Residents are demanding urgent action from Tompkins County leaders as shocking conditions in shelters and hazardous encampments threaten the safety and dignity of the homeless community.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #HomelessnessResponse #PublicSafety

Providers and police urge collaboration as Tompkins County readies Code Blue warming site; county creates temporary shelter positions Community providers, outreach workers and law enforcement urged more collaboration and trauma-informed practices ahead of the county's new Code Blue warming station; the legislature approved creation of temporary shelter positions and a budget adjustment to fund them.

Community leaders are sounding the alarm over the rushed opening of a new Code Blue warming site, warning that lack of collaboration could lead to devastating outcomes for those experiencing homelessness.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #TraumaInformed #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Tompkins County transit agency reports service and staffing improvements but warns of funding uncertainty TCAT reported improved service reliability and staffing hires in 2024, ridership up about 20% from 2023 but still down 27% from pre-pandemic levels; the agency warned of continued dependence on federal and state grants and the risk posed by federal policy changes.

TCAT reports promising improvements in service and staffing, but looming funding uncertainties could jeopardize their progress.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #PublicTransit #ServiceReliability

Legislature urges New York to declare EMS an essential service, citing patchwork response The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously passed a resolution urging the state to designate emergency medical services as essential, citing inconsistent service models across municipalities and the potential to enable countywide planning and ambulance districts.

Tompkins County's bold move to classify emergency medical services as essential could reshape how ambulance care is delivered across New York!

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #EmergencyMedicalServices #LocalGovernmentPlanning #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Tompkins County Legislature adopts 'Institutionalizing Equity' report after extended debate After hours of discussion about definitions, metrics and staffing, the Tompkins County Legislature voted 10–3 on Feb. 18 to adopt the 2025 Institutionalizing Equity report, directing departments to begin tracking equity indicators and asking the county’s chief equity and diversity officer to present implementation steps to the full legislature.

The Tompkins County Legislature has taken a bold step towards equity by adopting the 'Institutionalizing Equity' report after a heated debate, signaling a commitment to data-driven improvements in operations and staffing.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CivicAccountability

Tompkins County hearing draws residents urging condos and sparking preservation debate at old library site At a public hearing convened by the Tompkins County Legislature’s Old Library Committee, roughly 28 speakers split largely between supporting for-sale condominium development to bring long-term residents downtown and urging preservation or renovation of the historic library building; committee members said public input will shape a forthcoming RFP.

Residents are divided over the future of Ithaca's old library, with passionate pleas for both vibrant condominiums and preservation of its historic character.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #UrbanVitality #HousingDevelopment #CommunityPreservation

Developmental disability subcommittee plans roadmap, resource fair and flags fewer local residential beds The developmental disability subcommittee described plans for a Tompkins‑specific roadmap, a fourth annual resource fair and outreach to local partners; cochair James Beaumont warned Tompkins County has roughly 80 fewer residential beds than pre‑COVID, increasing wait times.

Tompkins County is crafting a tailored roadmap to enhance access to developmental disability resources, but with 80 fewer residential beds than before COVID, the need for timely solutions has never been greater.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #DisabilityResources #CitizenPortal

Tompkins County OKs policy authorizing designated probation officers to carry firearms after 12–2 vote The Tompkins County Legislature approved a resolution directing a policy that would authorize designated probation officers (primarily those in the GIVE program) to carry firearms after training and psychological screening; the vote was 12–2 amid debate over body-worn cameras and scope.

Tompkins County just approved a controversial policy allowing select probation officers to carry firearms in high-risk situations, igniting a heated debate over safety and transparency.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CivicAccountability #GunViolencePrevention #CitizenPortal

Tompkins County adopts 2025 budget after debates over tax cap and fund balance After hours of amendments and roll-call votes, the Tompkins County Legislature approved the 2025 budget and five-year capital program, accepting an amended levy calculation tied to a corrected tax-cap figure and several targeted contingency adjustments.

After intense debates and last-minute corrections, Tompkins County finally adopts its 2025 budget, but what does this mean for taxpayers?

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CommunityBudgeting #CitizenPortal #TaxCapReform #FiscalResponsibility

Tompkins County Legislature urges DEC to require EIS for Cargill Cayuga mine; measure passes 8‑3 After public testimony from residents and environmental advocates, the Tompkins County Legislature passed an 8‑3 resolution asking the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to rescind a negative declaration and require a comprehensive environmental impact statement for Cargill’s Cayuga salt‑mine permit renewal.

Tompkins County just took a bold stand against Cargill, pushing for a comprehensive environmental review of the controversial Cayuga salt mine to protect local waters!

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #PublicTransparency

Incident review committee reports record 64 reportable incidents and rising youth acuity The Tompkins County incident review committee told the Community Services Board it reviewed 64 reportable incidents in 2025, including 18 deaths and 33 suicide attempts, and described steps to expand school‑based services, Narcan distribution and crisis coordination.

The Tompkins County incident review committee reveals alarming statistics: 64 reportable incidents in 2025, including 18 deaths and 33 suicide attempts, sparking urgent calls for improved care and community support.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #YouthMentalHealth

Residents and lawmakers press county to protect immigrant residents after ICE pickup; calls for clear communications Multiple public commenters and legislators discussed the recent ICE arrest of a local resident, urged protection of undocumented community members under Tompkins County's sanctuary policy, and asked for clearer communications between the sheriff's office, jail and federal agencies.

Community voices are rising in Tompkins County as residents and lawmakers unite to demand stronger protections for undocumented residents following a controversial ICE arrest.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #ImmigrationProtection #CommunitySanctuary #PublicCommunication

Tompkins County committee weighs station-house bail, arraignment practices and alternatives to jail A Tompkins County working group heard Ithaca Police and local justice-system officials describe when officers issue appearance tickets versus when suspects are brought for arraignment, the limits of sheriff and state-police holding capacity, and possible alternatives (electronic monitoring, diversion teams, expanded treatment) aimed at safely reducing jail days.

A Tompkins County committee is exploring innovative ways to reduce unnecessary jail time, focusing on alternatives like station-house bail and community-based support systems.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #AlternativesToIncarceration #PublicSafety #CriminalJusticeReform

Task force flags statutory gaps in charitable bail rules, urges legislative fixes and maintaining local bail fund Members raised concerns that recent statutory language leaves charitable bail funds exposed (the law is 'silent on felonies' per one reading) and recommended keeping the local bail fund topped up while pursuing state amendments to raise thresholds and clarify allowable uses.

A recent meeting in Tompkins County revealed critical gaps in charitable bail regulations that could impact funding and operations—members are pushing for urgent legislative changes to protect local bail practices.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CriminalJusticeReform #CitizenPortal

Task force debates counsel‑at‑arraignment, presumptive eligibility and operational trade‑offs Tompkins County CJ ATI members discussed counsel at first appearance and 'presumptive eligibility' for assigned counsel to speed representation, while weighing courtroom time, patrol coverage and reimbursement logistics.

Tompkins County's task force is considering a game-changing approach to speed up legal representation by introducing counsel at arraignment, but could this lead to longer courtroom delays?

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CourtroomEfficiency #CitizenPortal #LegalRepresentation

Task force weighs reentry services, OASIS treatment expansion, alternatives to incarceration and data shortfalls CJ ATI discussed substance‑use evaluations and a potential full OASIS treatment site, alternatives such as RICS/bricks and day reporting, concerns about electronic monitoring and charging, and critical county data gaps on arrest vs appearance‑ticket outcomes.

Tompkins County's task force is diving deep into innovative reentry services and exploring alternatives to incarceration that could reshape the future of justice.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #TompkinsCountyReentry #AlternativesToIncarceration #DataIntegrity

Tompkins County committee reviews pretrial data, bail limits and probation practices At a CJ ATI meeting in Tompkins County, committee members reviewed pretrial data that showed weekday intake/release peaks, discussed a mismatch between local and state pretrial counts, debated charitable-bail limits and staffing constraints, and agreed to seek DA input and compile public recommendations.

Tompkins County's CJ ATI committee uncovered shocking discrepancies in pretrial data that could reshape local bail practices and challenge the very fabric of the justice system.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #PretrialServices #BailReform #CriminalJusticeReform

Peter Stein urges online courses for longer‑stay inmates as low‑cost reentry option At a Tompkins County CJ ATI meeting, Peter Stein outlined a data‑driven plan to target inmates with longer stays for self‑paced online education (GED, computer literacy, job skills) as a low‑cost reentry strategy; members flagged supervision, equipment and eligibility hurdles.

Peter Stein's innovative proposal for online education could transform the lives of long-term jail inmates, turning their confinement into a pathway for success.

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#TompkinsCounty #NY #ReentrySupport #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #CriminalJusticeInnovation #TompkinsCountyJail