County officials report three bids for minimum‑wage study, progress on emergency shelter projects and Code Blue partnership

Deputy County Administrator Bridget briefed the Housing & Economic Development Committee on Aug. 6 about several administrative items. She said three proposals were received in response to the countywide minimum wage study request for proposals and the county is convening a review team to evaluate bids.

Bridget said the legislature unanimously approved a partnership with the City of Ithaca to co‑locate a Code Blue emergency shelter with a navigation hub; she said the City Common Council was scheduled to vote on the city’s companion measure that evening. "That same initiative will be voted on tonight at the city common council meeting," she said, adding county staff planned to attend the city meeting.

Bridget also reported that the county’s emergency shelter development project at 227 Cherry Street is in the final stages of negotiating a contract with the selected operator. She said the operator will be a key partner in the county’s HAAAP application to the state.

Committee members asked whether county staff planned to attend the city meeting and whether the county needed to provide additional support; Bridget said county staff intended to be present. Committee members also sought clarity about participation on the minimum‑wage proposal evaluation panel; Bridget said staff would solicit legislators’ interest by email and that member participation would be accommodated where appropriate.

No formal committee actions were taken on these administrative updates; staff said they would follow up by email on panel participation and report back on bid selection and contract execution timelines.