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Legislature approves temporary relocation plan for assessment and Office for the Aging as center‑of‑government project proceeds
Summary
The legislature authorized temporary relocation of the Departments of Assessment and County Office for the Aging to a recently purchased property at 31 Dutch Mill Road, approving the administrator's plan (estimated one‑time fit‑out under $10,000) by a 13–1 vote while several legislators raised transit and access concerns.
Tompkins County legislators voted 13–1 on Aug. 19 to authorize temporary relocation of the Departments of Assessment and the County Office for the Aging to a purchased facility at 31 Dutch Mill Road while the downtown Center of Government project proceeds.
Legislator Lee (sponsor) described administration's analysis of foot traffic and service access and said the move would allow deconstruction and work at several downtown buildings. County Administrator Corsa Acunfi told the body administration's condition assessment found only modest one‑time public‑facing fit‑out needs (estimated under $10,000) and said staff believe the move would not disrupt services; she noted the departments expect some higher‑volume periods in January/February and that transportation access could be supported through existing transit and paratransit services.
Opponents on the floor raised concerns about the building's distance from regular transit lines and whether the location could disadvantage residents who rely on bus or paratransit services. Supporters replied that many clients drive and that the purchased site could save rental costs if the downtown project is delayed; one legislator said initial analysis showed purchasing the space could save the county about $1 million compared with extended rental swing space over several years.
After debate the legislature approved the authorization to prepare the Dutch Mill Road facility for occupancy and the temporary relocations. The committee and administration said they will continue to study transit accommodations and client access and will return with implementation details as departments move.
