Tompkins County Legislature - March 19, 2026

The Tompkins County Legislature met on March 19, 2026, addressing several procurement and budget-related matters. A key procurement discussion involved a resolution to allocate $50,000 from the contingent fund to support legal assistance for tenants at the Astery housing complex, aiming to provide legal consultation and support to vulnerable residents facing housing challenges. The legislature also approved the adoption of the Tompkins County Purchasing Oversight Manual for the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) and the County Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Plan for Federal Transit Administration compliance. Additionally, the meeting covered updates on capital projects such as bridge repairs and road maintenance, and discussed the development of a comprehensive paid caregiver leave policy for county employees, with considerations of cost and union involvement. The legislature voted on a resolution urging New York State to enact tax bills to fund universal child care, reflecting budget and policy priorities. Public safety discussions included the formation of a working group to review the Flock camera surveillance program, with community concerns about privacy and contract renewal timelines highlighted. Overall, the meeting combined procurement decisions, budget adjustments, and policy discussions impacting county operations and community services.