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Tompkins County administration outlines hiring plans, HALT schematic work and $42–$48 million government center estimate
Summary
County administration reported near-term hiring for public‑health and DSS commissioners, a June start to recruit a replacement for retiring highway director Jeff Smith, ongoing HALT schematic design work and an estimated project cost of $42–$48 million for the government center project.
County administration reported on May 16 that hiring is underway for several executive positions and that schematic design work has begun for a proposed government center project with an estimated cost of $42 million to $48 million.
The administration said it is finalizing hiring for the public-health commissioner and anticipates finishing the Department of Social Services commissioner recruitment in the next two to three weeks. Highway Director Jeff Smith announced his retirement effective in July; the administration said recruitment will begin in June and that an interim highway director would be named if a vacancy occurs.
The presentation said the Legislature approved locating a county bureau/department in the planned government center and the architect HALT has begun schematic designs. County staff said deconstruction of the existing site and moving certain departments to interim leased spaces will be part of the project and that the administration is evaluating funding sources to complement county funds.
Administration noted the project cost estimate of $42 million to $48 million and said the county is reviewing options to reduce the fiscal burden, including exploring additional funding sources. Staff also flagged an upcoming EMS presentation to the Public Safety Committee and a possible CGR proposal to analyze countywide EMS funding and operations.
Officials asked about interim arrangements and were told the hiring process for the highway director typically takes about two months and that the county would appoint an interim director as needed. No formal hiring decisions or contract awards were made during the meeting; staff reported status and next steps.
