Tompkins County Legislature backs geothermal grant application, commits county match

Tompkins County legislators voted unanimously July 21 to authorize applying for a $2 million Climate Smart Communities grant to support installing a district geothermal heating and cooling system for three county buildings. The authorization, moved so staff could pursue grant funding, commits the county to at least a 50% local match for the application process.

Terry Carroll, who presented a side-by-side comparison of a traditional equipment replacement versus a district system, said the Climate Smart Communities grant would cover $2,000,000 and require a county match of an equal amount. "This resolution is required for us to go after this Climate Smart Community Grant," Carroll said, describing the match structure and an estimated total project cost "almost 5,300,000" and noting that the county would continue to seek other sources to close the remaining funding gap. Legislators pressed on phasing, capital costs, and the risk of later decisions if the grant is awarded. Randy Brown said the first phase for the Center of Government building is roughly $2,000,000 and that full expansion across buildings could add about $5,000,000 more.

Supporters framed the authorization as a way to reduce long-term operational costs and lower fossil-fuel reliance. Judith Hubbard and others emphasized that choosing not to pursue the district system would not eliminate costs, citing Norma's estimates that replacing current heating/cooling equipment could cost between $800,000 and $1,540,000. The resolution to apply for the grant passed by a voice/hand-raise vote with all members in favor.

The motion to apply was moved by Christie and seconded by Dan; the formal vote was recorded by hand and announced as unanimous.