Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tompkins County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in public safety with low priority
Pronouns on county employee badges
The Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee is working with IT, HR, and the safety team to add optional pronouns to county badges, with a dropdown including they/them and a blank option so no one is forced to disclose.
Kratom Regulation
Legislators have received outside lobbying emails about kratom; a New York Times article raised safety questions, and the county attorney is reviewing. Members recalled past constituent pleas to restrict it.
Monroe Balancing Test — Tompkins County Shelter
A public hearing was held on accepting the Monroe Balancing Test analysis for the county shelter at 654 Elmira Road in the Town of Ithaca; no one spoke.
Sheriff's Office staffing and recruitment
For possibly the first time ever, road patrol and corrections are fully staffed at the same time after successful open interviews; the sheriff also highlighted hiring his third deputy of color on road patrol.
Rodent Control and Integrated Pest Management
A resident raised pest control problems in the City of Ithaca during public comment, seeking county-level attention to the issue.
Recycling Facility Safety Vests
Starting August 1, everyone using the recycling facility's tip floors must wear a high-visibility vest — industry standard after close calls and fatalities elsewhere. The operator will hand out free vests through year-end, with a loaner program after that.
Security officer transition from DSS to DOER
County security officers are moving from Social Services to Emergency Response; the transition takes effect next week.
Schuyler County conflict defender agreement renewal
Tompkins County will keep serving as Schuyler County's conflict defender for five more years, with Schuyler paying all costs — about $622,512 total through 2030. It also broadens the local attorney panel.