Tompkins County Clerk Maureen Reynolds reported higher‑than‑expected mortgage and real‑estate transfer tax activity in 2025 and described an operational change affecting voter registration at naturalization ceremonies.

Reynolds told the committee that the office has seen a steady stream of large real‑estate transactions and that mortgage tax collections have been strong year to date. She described a recent large commercial transaction and said, “we fully see us getting at least $4,000,000 to collect in mortgage tax.” (Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk)

Reynolds also said she received notice via the New York State League of Women Voters that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has enacted a policy change that no longer allows nonprofit organizations to collect voter‑registration cards at naturalization ceremonies. She said the League will still provide information and support at ceremonies but will not accept or transmit voter registration forms on behalf of new citizens. County clerk staff said they are consulting the Board of Elections to identify alternatives for on‑site voter registration and to ensure newly naturalized citizens can receive registration help.

Why it matters: Mortgage and transfer tax revenues are a meaningful revenue source for the county. The naturalization ceremony change affects a long‑standing practice where local League volunteers helped register newly naturalized citizens to vote; staff said they will work with election officials on alternative ways to ensure registration assistance is available.

Next steps: Clerk’s office will coordinate with the Board of Elections to determine who can provide voter registration at naturalization ceremonies going forward and will monitor mortgage/transfer receipts for budget tracking.

Ending: Legislators thanked the clerk for the update and asked staff to bring any recommended process changes to a future meeting for review.