Council of Governments - May 28, 2026

The Tompkins County Council of Governments meeting on May 28, 2026, covered several key topics including updates on county budget challenges, transportation planning, housing initiatives, energy programs, and emergency medical services funding. The county administrator reported a projected 18% tax levy increase driven by rising contract, payroll, and fringe costs, with potential tax cap exceedance unless programmatic changes occur. The transportation council highlighted federal funding of over $20 million annually for local projects, upcoming RFPs, and new staffing to support regional transportation planning and trail development. The county planning department discussed the New York State Pro Housing Program, emphasizing certification benefits tied to grant eligibility and technical assistance for municipalities. The Tompkins Green Energy Network presented community choice aggregation efforts to provide greener energy options and improve financing for renewable projects. Finally, the group addressed the ongoing EMS funding crisis, considering ambulance tax options and the need for countywide solutions to improve emergency response times. Several action items include issuing an RFP for a permanent shelter funded by a $50 million HHAP grant, pursuing consultant selection for a 10-year housing strategy, and potential resolutions supporting EMS funding reforms.