Tompkins County Administrator Corsa told the Health and Human Services Committee on Aug. 20 that the county is preparing for the coming cold/flu season, evaluating shelter options and reviewing a job description for the Office of Human Rights position.

Why it matters: Seasonal planning and a planned shelter contract affect the county’s capacity to serve people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable residents during colder months; the staffing decision will determine how the Office of Human Rights is reestablished and what functions it will carry.

Corsa said the county is “preparing for the next cold/flu season” and is evaluating options; she told the committee the county is closing in on selecting a service provider to partner in developing a shelter and that staff hope to complete a contract by the end of the month and announce the arrangement publicly. She said work on that effort is one of two primary items the county is focusing on for this committee.

On the Office of Human Rights, Corsa said she is working with human resources on a job-description review and that she intends to send committee members a communication in the weeks before the next meeting with a clear direction and next steps to get the position filled and the office operational.

Committee members had no additional questions at the time; staff indicated they would update the committee as procurement and hiring progress.