Council of Governments - October 1, 2026

The Tompkins County Council of Governments meeting on October 1, 2026, included a county budget update, climate-action planning, and discussion of a new veterans’ property-tax exemption. County staff said the 2027 budget presentation was concluding before legislative voting meetings; rising health-insurance costs increased the fringe rate from 44% to 47%, contributing to a higher proposed tax levy. The county also reported receiving $841,000 in state funding for the 2026–27 Cold Blue season—about $1.2 million less than the prior allocation—and is planning for 24/7 cold-weather services and a warming center for up to 22 weeks. No contract awards, bid approvals, or purchasing decisions were identified.

County sustainability staff sought municipal input for a revised climate action plan, with discussion focused on flooding, undersized culverts, road and sewer infrastructure, emergency preparedness, building reuse and energy efficiency, and potential grant support. These were planning and funding needs, not approved projects or procurement actions. The group also discussed state law making a 100% exemption for qualifying disabled veterans a local option; the county committee had not advanced county adoption, and municipalities would need to act by local law. The meeting accepted the prior minutes and identified no procurement-related votes or spending actions.