County accepts state pass-through for lifeguard training, OKs streaming fee; receives conditional $324,000 grant for Tyler assessment conversion

Tompkins County accepted a pass-through grant from the New York State Department of State to reimburse the City of Ithaca for lifeguard training and recertification costs, the Government Operations Committee recorded Sept. 4. "The certification for new lifeguards is around $400," a committee member said, noting the grant reduced a barrier for seasonal hires. John moved acceptance of the grant and Rich seconded; the committee recorded a unanimous vote.

The committee also approved a resolution authorizing the county to charge a fee for live-streaming services provided to Ithaca Area Economic Development, Inc. Bridget said the communications department provides live-streaming and the resolution allows the county to seek reimbursement. Rich, who chairs the IDA, said the $1,600 fee is acceptable but observed that the county also subsidizes the service, calling the arrangement "a little circular." Shawna moved the streaming-services resolution; Rich seconded and the committee approved it unanimously. Monica, the county communications director, was present to answer operational questions.

Bridget told the committee the county was conditionally awarded $324,000 through a New York State local government efficiency program to support conversion to the Tyler assessment database. She said the award covers about 90% of the initial conversion cost but that executing the state contract will take time and the timing of payments may affect the budget. Committee members noted the county had planned funding in contingency for conversion costs and acknowledged the award will reduce that local burden. No formal vote was required for the announcement of the conditional award.