Tompkins County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tompkins County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2025 Audit Results
The county's fiscal policies are decades old — some dating to 1988 — and stalled for years. A $41,250 contract with the Bonadio Group will produce a draft overhaul by December, with adoption expected early next year, though legislators criticized the contract starting before their approval.
Hazard mitigation plan update funding
The county resubmitted information on its FEMA grant application for updating its hazard mitigation plan — a $160,000 award would fund a consultant and help municipalities update their own annexes, unlocking future mitigation money.
Proposed 12% County Tax Levy Increase
Vice Chair Dawson apologized for her 'couple coffees at Starbucks' remark about the administrator's proposed 12% levy increase, but stressed the real hit to total property tax bills would be only 1.65-2.5%. She urged residents to engage in the budget process, since the final number will be set by the Legislature, not the administrator.
Highway Department Fuel Cost Shortfall
Diesel and gas prices have blown through the Highway Department's fuel budget — 83.7% spent by early July when it should have been around 60%. The committee recommended $100,000 from contingency, with another request expected in November.
2027 County Budget Process and Online Budget Book
The county set an October 27 public hearing on the 2027 budget and capital program, with adoption required by December 10. The expanded budget committee is still hearing from departments before amendment votes.
Child care affordability advocacy
With fewer than one child care slot for every three kids in the county and costs of $19,000–$25,000 a year, the Legislature urged the state to pass three bills — corporate tax, progressive income tax, and Universal Child Care Act — that together would raise ~$25 billion and fund universal child care.