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Legislature approves epidemiologist position in Whole Health department
Summary
The Tompkins County Legislature unanimously approved creation of an epidemiologist position in the Whole Health department after a presentation that framed the role as essential for analyzing local overdose trends, maternal‑child health outcomes and harmful algal bloom risks; funding will use state public‑health aid and possible opioid‑settlement supplements.
The Tompkins County Legislature on Aug. 4 voted to create an epidemiologist position in the Whole Health department, approving resolution 2026‑142 (ID 14141) after a presentation from Commissioner Jenny Setcliff.
Setcliff told legislators the job is “really very critical to the work in public health,” describing it as a data‑analysis role that can examine overdose drivers, maternal‑child health program effectiveness, tick‑borne illness trends and harmful algal bloom impacts. She said the county’s budget already included the position and that state aid will cover part of the salary: “we get for public health activities, we get 36¢ on the dollar from New York State,” which she described as state aid that would apply to the salary.
Legislators asked about where the money would come from and whether opioid‑settlement funds would be used to supplement the position. Setcliff said she was working with budget staff and Norma to determine available opioid settlement funds and that the county planned to pursue grant partnerships, noting a pending SAMHSA grant application that would include a partnership with Cornell. She said the department is not seeking other new positions this budget cycle and prefers to fill this role to provide consistent, in‑house analytical capacity.
The motion to approve the resolution was moved by Travis Brooks and seconded by Christy Bianconi; roll call recorded 14 yes, 1 no (Mike Sigler) and the resolution passed. The county indicated the position will be integrated with mental‑health staff and other programs to support prevention and program evaluation.
