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Ithaca council suspends police chief search, halts emergency services millage collection
Summary
The City of Ithaca City Council voted March 3 to indefinitely suspend its search for a police chief and to stop collection of Emergency Services millage funding as of July 1, 2026. The motion passed 5–2 after deliberations on five candidates.
The City of Ithaca City Council voted on March 3, 2026, to indefinitely suspend its search for a Police Chief and to stop collection of the Emergency Services millage funding effective July 1, 2026.
Councilmember James Andrew moved the motion to suspend the search and halt the millage collection; Councilmember Brandon Ester seconded the motion. The roll-call vote was Ayes: James Andrew, Brandon Ester, Clark Hubbard, Brooke Vernon and Mayor Brett Baublitz; Nos: Rob Endter and Kristyn Roethlisberger.
Mayor Brett Baublitz had earlier reported the Committee of the Whole interviewed five candidates for the position on Feb. 26. Council deliberations during the March 3 meeting reviewed each candidate’s qualifications and considered funding for emergency services. After discussion the council decided to forego the five candidates and suspend the search.
Councilmembers who voted in favor framed the move as pausing the search while the city reassesses department needs and funding. Councilmembers who opposed the motion recorded their dissent but did not prevail. The agenda item for Police Vehicle & Equipment Quotes (item 10f) was subsequently disregarded.
Next procedural steps were not specified in the meeting record; the council did not set a date to resume recruitment or provide details on how stopping millage collection will be implemented administratively.
