Tompkins County Legislature - April 7, 2026

The Tompkins County Legislature met on April 7, 2026, with significant focus on public safety and procurement-related issues. A key procurement discussion centered on the county's contract with Flock Safety, a surveillance camera vendor. Legislators moved to direct the county administrator and attorney to prepare a resolution to terminate the contract with Flock Safety in a manner consistent with grant funding obligations, with a vote to occur at the next meeting. The legislature also discussed exploring alternatives to Flock Safety's services and emphasized community involvement in future safety solutions. Additionally, the legislature unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Good Food New York bill, which would allow municipal agencies to engage in values-based food procurement, prioritizing local farms and sustainable practices even if bids are slightly higher than the lowest. Other procurement actions included acceptance of various grants related to criminal justice services, environmental programs, and health services, as well as authorization to enter a lease for workforce office space and to apply for a certificate of need to enhance emergency medical response services. The meeting also included public comments on surveillance, immigrant rights legislation, and local food systems, reflecting community values influencing procurement and policy decisions.