[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6070519,"mediaKeyId","3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574","parentId",3050345,"title","Tompkins County legislature schedules special election, orders NYSEG audit and approves airport chargers in unanimous votes","audioSeconds",4331,"startMs",4963000,"endMs",9294000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574&start=4963&end=9294","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574/thumbnail_4963000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6070519/Tompkins-County/New-York/Tompkins-County-legislature-schedules-special-election-orders-NYSEG-audit-and-approves-airport-chargers-in-unanimous-votes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070519-5987b725fe47950346fa05c5d731b55d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936076&Signature=eovZssT76fHpNxaPMxKEuYP-cZRcBGEl-UKIm3L0z2HCdtopkJrongz0S~K~Nna5JKx6qNm0bS-b0tKu1QBGZ1iQoJTl8Q2oAO-gEz4tbZXNfEF1zvqWfddyxkBBhE1HPfo4raw11CmOrywwvQJwEm8OxjrY5n88es3shYDhIoH6z8ZHK9h-wFxqQUFlRj3GACIySDFsO9x160QREfIH~9AE7ENzx~zTf~kxHtj8cCRVK~WE~fjBuzAOelWYXx-PVwF2VVn-hE8Vs~0qprZGYXtEjrDNrpryedUx0U3l8WxZqqQtHv9-OTyQwPxJY9nIw0ApmN1ex0b93vq3sMP0Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tompkins County, NY","date","2025-04-01T00:00:00Z","article","The Tompkins County Legislature on April 1 unanimously scheduled a special election for Legislative District 3, passed a resolution demanding an independent audit of New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) billing practices, and approved a public–private agreement to install two direct-current fast chargers at the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.

Why it matters: The actions package affects election timing in the city of Ithaca, seeks external review of utility billing that residents say has sharply risen, and adds electric-vehicle infrastructure to a county-owned facility — all measures with immediate operational or political impact.

The legislature added a special-election resolution (ID 13205) to the agenda and voted to hold the election on June 24, 2025. The body also added and then approved a locally‑introduced resolution (ID 13216) requesting an independent audit of NYSEG billing practices; sponsors said constituents have reported sudden, large increases in monthly bills and inconsistent customer service responses. Separately, the legislature approved a county partnership with Green Spot for two dual‑port, 200‑kilowatt DC fast chargers at the Ithaca airport (ID 13181). County officials said the project requires no upfront capital from the county and will remit a portion of revenue to airport operations.

Other measures approved without rollcall contention included: acceptance of surplus transit vehicles transferred from Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) for TCAT use (ID 13153); authorization to accept Justice Assistance Grant funds and contract with Rochester Institute of Technology to study the Sheriff’s CARE (Scribe Alternative Response and Engagement) team (ID 13186); several airport contract items and minor budget adjustments carried on the consent agenda.

Votes and next steps: All the items listed above passed by unanimous voice votes at the April 1 meeting. The special-election resolution directs county staff and the Tompkins County Board of Elections to carry out required election steps; the resolution on NYSEG calls for an independent review and does not itself direct procurement of auditors. The airport charging agreement will be implemented under a partnership contract with Green Spot; county staff said other municipalities in Tompkins County have been offered the same vendor arrangements and that the airport’s short‑term parking rules (30 minutes free) will remain in place.

Several legislators spoke during debate on the NYSEG measure. Sponsor Legislator Shauna Black described constituent complaints and said the issue is time‑sensitive. Legislator Mike Sigler said he would meet NYSEG regional staff and report back; he also described an exchange in which NYSEG characterized some social‑media criticism as “seditious,” which he relayed to the body. County staff and legislators said they expect follow‑up meetings with NYSEG and to share any vendor responses publicly.

Because the special election falls inside a compressed statutory window, the county clerk and board of elections will operate under the Tompkins County charter and applicable New York election statutes; independent candidates must gather 74 valid signatures within the time window set by statute and county rules. The legislature’s scheduling resolution states that the winner will take office immediately to serve the remainder of the term through the end of the year.

Votes at a glance (selected items)
• Scheduling special election for Legislative District 3 (ID 13205) — outcome: approved (voice; unanimous). Special election date: June 24, 2025; independent petitions required: 74 signatures; early voting: available beginning 10 days before election day.
• Resolution demanding independent audit of NYSEG billing practices (ID 13216) — outcome: approved (voice; unanimous).
• Partnership agreement to install two dual‑port 200 kW DC fast chargers at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ID 13181) — outcome: approved (voice; unanimous). County receives a portion of charging revenues; vendor funds installation and interconnection.
• Acceptance of fleet transfer from CDTA to TCAT (ID 13153) — outcome: approved (voice; unanimous). Surplus buses transferred to TCAT to address operating shortfalls.
• Authorization to accept Justice Assistance Grant funds and contract with Rochester Institute of Technology to study Sheriff CARE team (ID 13186) — outcome: approved (voice; unanimous).

What’s next: County staff will coordinate with the Board of Elections on the special-election logistics and with Green Spot and airport staff on site design and permitting for the chargers. Legislators said they expect follow‑up briefings on NYSEG responses and any audits that may proceed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tompkins County Legislature - April 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Tompkins County Legislature on April 1 unanimously scheduled a June special election for Legislative District 3, approved a resolution seeking an independent audit of NYSEG billing practices and authorized two fast chargers at the Ithaca airport as part of a package of measures passed by voice vote.","taxTitle","Tompkins County, New York","taxId",52737,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070504,"Legislature hears NAMI and REACH presentations; approves one‑year outreach worker pilot funded with city and county support",5263,1545000,6808000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574&start=1545&end=6808","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574/thumbnail_1545000.jpg","/articles/6070504/Tompkins-County/New-York/Legislature-hears-NAMI-and-REACH-presentations-approves-oneyear-outreach-worker-pilot-funded-with-city-and-county-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070504-c7ccc9f5406b98851f303f8ffe0657ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936076&Signature=TB0RG12csaIEmFGq2cHqErFmiR3PTQcFQnx8fE0dnI7MLlw-7FC8MJtpctOVs~v5xgOvxTFrWx4LoKb9PsbYAmwKVHRt56fP925dgLb6TDeQuxdDjDy5GGqbK0kx97WQ7Najq4bG7S9yVMdKk0F2k2vYLvuxHZWn89uvXxw30wQj02nzXlTaLCT33V7DIwibyYvTEsasAUAulRY4Xnp7CR9FMzrLP0fpliRuuFta4y7Al5sW3CHAslkuvepL37jpKeFduRUU4xZM6ocpkddG~YwG89t8foI-MVpCq3QwlbHyQ9Y40ead1XrIrj8s6p2JwJ5UzPCHs5z8S65FXHKhOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Advocates and service providers briefed the Tompkins County Legislature on local mental‑health services and outreach efforts at the April 1 meeting; the body approved a one‑year outreach worker pilot to place behavioral‑health outreach staff in the Commons and other community locations.

Jason Hungerford, program manager for NAMI Finger Lakes, described the affiliate’s free support services and education programs that serve Tompkins and Cortland counties and asked the legislature to form a team and participate in the organization’s May 3 NAMI Walks fundraiser. “We provide free support services and education programs in Tompkins and Cortland Counties,” Hungerford said, explaining the referral and program work that NAMI conducts locally and inviting legislators to participate in fundraising.

Justine Waldman, representing REACH Medical, presented program outcomes and an overview of services including primary care, psychiatric medication management, substance‑use disorder treatment, infectious‑disease care and outreach to shelters and supportive housing sites. Waldman said REACH delivered thousands of encounters in 2024 (her materials showed 6,25 unique patients and 1,072 encounters in 2024 for specified programs) and described multiple grants that sustain REACH operations, including an Opiate Settlement Fund award (noted as roughly $128,000 over three years) and downtown outreach funding that supports newly hired community health workers.

The legislature voted to accept funding and partner on an outreach worker pilot (Resolution F, ID 13168). The pilot, described as one year in duration, expands outreach capacity with two full‑time equivalent outreach workers supplied through REACH (the provider increased the proposed staffing from 1.5 FTE to 2.0 FTE during committee discussion). County and city funding were identified: the county contribution was cited in committee discussion at $65,000 with the city matching $65,000 for the year; legislators asked downtown Ithaca Alliance and other local stakeholders to consider cost sharing if outreach covers commercial districts that benefit from the service.

Why it matters: Outreach workers connect people experiencing homelessness or behavioral‑health crises to services and can reduce emergency use and stabilize people in community settings. Legislators emphasized that the pilot should have clearly defined duties and coordination with other providers; several members asked that future iterations include municipal financial participation when outreach focuses on downtown business districts.

What the record shows and does not show: The legislature approved the pilot for one year; it did not commit to continuing funding beyond the pilot period. Committee discussion included concerns about past outreach worker burnout and the need for clear scope and coordination with reentry and jail services. REACH agreed to coordinate with county reentry and human‑services staff.

Ending: The pilot begins with REACH staff performing outreach to the Commons and other identified sites; the county and city will provide the initial funding for the one‑year pilot and the legislature expects follow‑up reporting on outcomes and funding sustainability.","NAMI Finger Lakes and REACH Medical briefed the legislature on services and outcomes; legislators approved a one‑year outreach worker pilot to return outreach to the Commons and other sites, noting the program is a pilot and asking for additional municipal buy‑in for future funding.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070509,"Public commenters and legislators debate roadblocks and protest policing; county committee to consider a statement",3925,1145000,5070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574&start=1145&end=5070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574/thumbnail_1145000.jpg","/articles/6070509/Tompkins-County/New-York/Public-commenters-and-legislators-debate-roadblocks-and-protest-policing-county-committee-to-consider-a-statement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070509-21eec4819c1a0aa47ffe768a55a391d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936076&Signature=UGmJHXk6LW1JMSXONCaYN3Rpeob~PJBRZeaGm6a10mr1M4fKnM2CetbpZb6eYgPGt5WEF2cjqons2oreM7jozGBv67jXVoXcc5xPGdryEPSZJxVT3qA9PT4geuPLSTBcT42LZ7t-n~r5hkGCfSmN3v0gkBO4SG5YaJcIVoDqGyk~kjmzSgzPb~hSwQLMgFZs~6u5Va9R-AUAOToqUwtkNS6lXZ7geHQsnln~VVegsV7A~pfAuO30BjXuhotxRLihzdKDXZLzvqASP1HgD1VIiscYTTrZVGeLUnxsQZwbEInGtUOMHGB82B6NanSPaGsw2LB0JBLO4w~BzAS-sAZbJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public commenters and several legislators used the April 1 Tompkins County Legislature meeting to press for clearer local guidance on protest conduct and police response after a series of roadblocks and disruptive demonstrations.

Zachary Winn told the legislature that color‑coded police guidance used by the City of Ithaca has hampered enforcement of illegal roadblocks, and that the discretion given to officers can result in inconsistent enforcement. “The current color coded system effectively shields people who illegally block roads from consequences,” Winn said during public comment, and he argued the policy gave officers a pretext for not pursuing charges in past incidents.

Why it matters: Witnessed roadblocks and temporary obstructions can delay emergency vehicles and create public‑safety hazards, speakers said. Winn cited specific incidents dating to 2014 and as recently as September 2023 when he said enforcement could not proceed under the color‑coded guidance. He also said the guidance risks treating left‑leaning demonstrators more leniently than violent or extremist groups.

Legislators responded with mixed views and described steps the Public Safety Committee would take to address the issue. Committee Chair Rich John said the committee would consider drafting a statement that “encourag[es] protest and saying this is a time when we should be speaking up, but doing it in a responsible way and not damaging property and not obstructing other people.” John said the committee planned to borrow elements of city guidance and Cornell University statements on expressive speech to define boundaries between protected speech and actions that create hazards.

Some legislators argued for a clear message that condemns violence, vandalism and harassment while protecting the right to lawful demonstration. Others warned against prescriptive rules that could chill free expression.

What the record shows and does not show: The legislature did not adopt any ordinance or binding enforcement policy at the April 1 meeting. The Public Safety Committee plans to discuss a possible statement at its April 22 meeting; no committee vote or formal policy change was recorded on April 1.

Ending: The committee’s forthcoming discussion will determine whether the legislature issues a public statement and what legal or operational guidance it recommends; the legislature may borrow language from municipal and university statements to clarify expectations for lawful protest.","Speakers at the Tompkins County Legislature urged a clear statement condemning illegal roadblocks and harassment during protests and asked for clearer policing guidance; legislators said the Public Safety Committee will consider a statement encouraging lawful, non‑obstructive protest.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070514,"Paramedic tells Tompkins County legislature stroke calls now only 61% covered by Ithaca Fire Department",187,739000,926000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574&start=739&end=926","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3050345-5cd62d9e31157c2b1c361b69842dc574/thumbnail_739000.jpg","/articles/6070514/Tompkins-County/New-York/Paramedic-tells-Tompkins-County-legislature-stroke-calls-now-only-61-covered-by-Ithaca-Fire-Department","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070514-004eecbd27a7492ee77873c10c46cf7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770936076&Signature=Gm3PfOkbWoZJ~zSzopWgTpcWUVhRVmkV9rmQBcMrJq8prFZ~wobBjMRd3J6gdf69n~-Q6Buh0cTkQLp0eiX8Q7qld817B2OEiyHehtZshV8ARbaa2GsQe~IR3DNQM4aQH10AFaiGBe71jEBzZaQ7OZy66QJsWuKE0Uubk9fQcD-maaP8A22rn1mgsxeFf55Oip6Asulkyl~O1BqvNLla-FiA8idNg94hZJuC9Tf58MNbf0aTYdkCCQSGY7VYDxg8PpITFo2qcTYk3QT8O8J-AozreyPFFKlx5wPz1d7D9aymNULe1TuEjnVc2XmXwvkuFq-Ih46I2ncVtSQezh7U3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jim Smith, a paramedic who addressed the Tompkins County Legislature during privilege of the floor on April 1, said the Ithaca Fire Department now responds to 61 percent of stroke calls — a decline he said has operational implications for emergency medical services.

“Sixty‑one percent. That is the percentage of stroke calls that the Ithaca Fire Department is now responding to,” Jim Smith said during public comment, identifying himself as a paramedic. Smith told legislators that the figure represents a drop from previous coverage and said the trend is degrading EMS response in parts of the county. He urged follow‑up and noted that a meeting had been scheduled to review emergency‑medical‑dispatch codes.

Why it matters: Stroke and other time‑sensitive medical calls depend on rapid response. Smith said delayed or absent fire‑department response can add retrieval time, for example when fire personnel are needed to access locked apartments with lockboxes, adding to EMS delays.

Smith disputed the interpretation of call‑volume trends presented earlier by fire leadership, arguing a five‑year view is more informative than a single‑year percentage change. “They were at a 10,000 call volume in 2019. There was a huge dip for COVID. The manpower stayed the same … We're talking more of a 5% increase over 5 years,” he said. Smith also questioned whether resource reservation for rare specialized incidents (drownings, electrocutions) justified reduced response to stroke calls.

Transcript records show Smith’s remarks occurred during public comment; he asked the body to note the public‑safety implications and the planned review at the city level. Smith said his concerns were prompted by a written statement from Ithaca Fire Department leadership announcing an evaluation of EMD (emergency‑medical‑dispatch) codes.

What the record shows and does not show: Smith described the 61 percent figure and asserted it was “not acceptable” for stroke calls. The transcript records a planned meeting and a routine review described in a statement from IFD leadership; the transcript does not record a policy change made at the legislature meeting nor does it record an immediate formal direction to county staff to change EMS contracts.

Next steps and clarifications: Smith said the city of Ithaca negotiates some EMS service contracts and that a city‑level review was scheduled. County legislators acknowledged the issue and said they expect further information from city and fire leadership and from contract holders. County staff later said a meeting will be held to review the situation.

Ending: Smith’s remarks put EMS response and mutual‑aid arrangements on the legislative record; county officials and the city of Ithaca will be the next points of contact for any changes to dispatch protocols or contracts.","A paramedic told the Tompkins County Legislature that the Ithaca Fire Department now responds to 61 percent of stroke calls, down from prior levels; he urged clearer contract and review processes and questioned recent data cited by fire leadership.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tompkins County legislature schedules special election, orders NYSEG audit and approves airport chargers in unanimous votes

Legislature hears NAMI and REACH presentations; approves one‑year outreach worker pilot funded with city and county support

Public commenters and legislators debate roadblocks and protest policing; county committee to consider a statement

Paramedic tells Tompkins County legislature stroke calls now only 61% covered by Ithaca Fire Department