Highlights of the October 15, 2024 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Korsah Akumfi Appointed Incoming Tompkins County Administrator

Korsah Akumfi was unanimously (13-0, Legislator Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) excused) appointed as Tompkins County Administrator. Akumfi will begin in the role on January 6, 2025.

Akumfi thanked the Legislature and commented on looking forward to starting, "I'm very excited to be here, it is a great honor. I've been looking at Tompkins County for a long time and I'm happy to be here finally."

Legislator Rich John (D-Ithaca) thanked County staff and Legislators for their efforts during the search process.

2025 Tompkins County Tentative Budget Amended and Set for Public Hearing

$18,000 in one-time funding to continue a programthat mails information on County resources and services to all 46,000+ residence addresses in Tompkins County was proposed by Legislator Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) and failed 7-6 (Legislators Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton), Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca), Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing), Rich John (D-Ithaca), Mike Lane (D-Dryden), and Dan Klein (D-Danby) opposed, Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) excused).

By unanimous vote (14-0) $15,000 was added to the budget to cover diversity, equity, and inclusion programming.

A motion passed (8-6, Legislators Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing), Anne Koreman (D-Ulysses, Pillar, Shurtleff, Sigler, Brown opposed) to lower the tax levy increase by $155,000 to a 3% increase. The funding would come from the County's fund balance.

The tentative budget, including a 3% property tax levy increase and the use of $597,706 of the County's fund balance to cover one-time costs, passed 8-6 (Legislators Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing), Greg Mezey (D-Dryden), Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton), Mike Sigler (R-Lansing), Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca), and Randy Brown (R-Newfield) opposed). The owner of a median-priced home in Tompkins County (assessed at $300,000) would see their County tax bill increase by $119.60. The budget is slated for a public hearing on October 30 at 7pm and final approval in November.

Several Local Property Tax Exemptions Discussed; Exemptions Approved for Seniors, Disabled Residents, and Certain Veterans

Following public hearings, several local laws that would provide partial property tax exemptions to certain property owners were discussed. Residents seeking further information on the exemptions are encouraged to contact the Tompkins County Assessment Department (https://www.tompkinscountyny.gov/assessment).

In an effort to assist older residents and residents with disabilities with meeting increased costs of living while remaining in their homes, a local law was passed (13-0, Legislator Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) excused) to increase the income eligibility for property tax exemptions on their real property.

To assist wartime veterans who reside in Tompkins County with meeting increased costs of living while remaining in their homes, a local law was passed (13-0, Legislator Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) excused) to exempt an increased portion of their taxable land value.

A partial ten-year tax exemption for the increase in assessed value for certain commercial and industrial properties failed 7-3 (Legislators Dan Klein (D-Danby), Shawna Black (D-Ithaca), Deborah Dawson (D-Lansing) opposed, Legislators Lee Shurtleff (R-Newfield), Rich John (D-Ithaca), and Greg Mezey (D-Lansing) abstaining, Legislator Mike Sigler (R-Lansing) excused). It would have exempted 50% of the increased property value in the first year, reducing by 5% each year over ten years, for properties that saw improvements. Legislators who abstained cited their ownership of commercial properties.

A local law that would provide partial exemptions for properties with accessory dwelling units (ADUs) was delayed for more future discussions. The Legislature will consider the local law in committee in the future.

Among Other Business

A proclamation was read celebrating Tompkins Cortland Community College's 50^th year at its main campus in Dryden.

A proclamation was read acknowledging bullying as a prevalent and serious problem affecting youth in Tompkins County, it proclaimed October as United in Kindness Month.

A resolution passed unanimously (13-0) supporting the right of Tompkins Cortland Community College to maintain local control over operating decisions. It has been reported that SUNY (with which the college is affiliated) has suggested that it would usurp local decision making for appointing the president, performance evaluations, and contract negotiations.

Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes reported to Legislators that the allocation from New York State to cover Code Blue emergency shelter costs this winter is $2 million.