Tompkins County health department finalizing year‑end state reports; mandates remain funding priority

Tompkins County health department staff told the Board of Health they are completing year‑end reporting to the state and will deliver final figures to county finance before reconciling books.

“Karen Johnson is our fiscal person that's wrapping that up this week,” a staff member said, describing the multi‑step process of state reporting and subsequent reconciliation with the county.

The department said final numbers often require back‑and‑forth with state officials and county staff and typically do not align exactly until March. The department described the process as routine and said it had not identified any missing revenues so far.

Board members asked whether federal developments could affect funding. A staff member said county administration is collecting federal funding details and that the department is providing required reports; “so far, everyone is still working,” the staff member said.

Health department staff also flagged ongoing mandate obligations across health units that may require additional funds once the budget is finalized. They said any extra available money will likely be directed toward mandate compliance across health departments rather than a single program.

The board did not take formal budget votes at the meeting. Staff said they will continue reporting to the county and state as the reconciliation proceeds and will return with finalized figures when available.