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Legislature approves new security team after threats; some members question cost
Summary
Following repeated credible threats to officials and long debate, Tompkins County legislators approved a contingent appropriation and short‑term hires to expand security for county staff and meetings. The measure passed 8–5 after questions about cost and alternative strategies.
The Tompkins County Legislature on Oct. 7 approved a contingent fund appropriation to expand county security staffing in response to recent threats to elected officials and staff. The measure passed on a roll call vote, 8–5.
The approved plan authorizes 4.5 full‑time equivalent positions for the remainder of 2025 (approximately 18 weeks of funding) with an initial one‑time staffing cost of roughly $128,000 for the remainder of the year and purchase of screening equipment such as a magnetometer (about $7,500). The county also included a proposed 2026 budget increase of approximately $628,000 to fund a security team comprising one manager and six officers (totaling seven positions) for full‑year operations.
Supporters cited credible threats, recent incidents of political violence elsewhere and staff safety concerns. Legislator Shauna Black said staff and members have been threatened and described times when public attendees entered the chambers and security screening changed the tone of public access. Department of Emergency Response staff briefed the legislature on operational needs and readiness to hire temporary staff immediately if the appropriation were approved.
Opponents questioned the cost, called for alternate approaches such as targeted investigative work to identify and prosecute threat actors, and urged careful consideration of long‑term budget implications before expanding head count. Rich John and others suggested a mix of measures, but ultimately the roll call recorded eight yes votes and five no votes, and the resolution carried.
Approved items include interim hires for the balance of 2025, purchase of screening equipment and authorization to include the positions in the 2026 recommended budget; the administration said it will return with hiring and oversight details and suggested periodic reporting to the legislature.
