Highlights of the November 7, 2001 meeting of the
Tompkins County Board of Representatives
COUNTY OKAYS TC-3 EXPANSION PLAN; APPROVES $5 MILLION IN IDA BONDS
Tompkins-Cortland Community College (TC-3) President Carl Haynes presented particulars of the college’s plans for expansion and improvement of its campus. The Board unanimously (13-0; Rep. Daniel Winch was absent; one seat is vacant) endorsed the $21 million capital project, which includes a sports complex and more classroom space for technology training. Pending approval, New York State will pay for half of the project, and half will be raised locally. Haynes predicted Tompkins County’s share will be about one-quarter of the local cost. In a related action, the Board approved issuance by the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) of $5 million in tax-exempt bonds to fund a new residence hall at TC-3 and refinance previous building projects at the school. Contacts: Stuart Stein, Chair, Economic & Workforce Development Committee, 273-3500; TC-3 President Carl Haynes, 844-8211, ext. 4368.

HEARING SET FOR INCREASE IN ROOM OCCUPANCY TAX
The Board set a date for a public hearing on an increase in the local hotel and motel room occupancy tax. It is proposed to raise the current rate of 3 percent to 4 percent on May 1, 2002; to 4.5 percent on January 1, 2003, and to 5 percent on July 1, 2003. A separate measure would freeze the tax on Bed & Breakfast rooms at 3 percent.  Uses of the tax – anticipated at over $610,000 for 2001 – include support for the Convention and Visitors Bureau and local tourism grants. The hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m., December 4 in the County Courthouse. Contact: Stuart Stein, Chair, Economic & Workforce Development Committee, 273-3500.

CHANGE IN LOCAL LAW ALLOWS VACANT SEAT TO BE FILLED 
By unanimous vote, the Board amended the County charter to allow the City of Ithaca 2nd ward seat, vacant since the resignation of Susanne Davis on August 30, to be filled immediately. The change opens the door for Ithaca Common Council to appoint Leslyn McBean, winner of the general election, to the seat for the remainder of the year. Contact: Michael Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, Government Operations Committee, 255-6668, 257-2329.  

WOOD IS NEW COUNTY ATTORNEY
By an 11-2 vote (Reps. Dooley Kiefer and Frank Proto voted no), Jonathan Wood was appointed Tompkins County Attorney. Wood, previously Deputy Attorney, has worked in the County Attorney’s office since 1993. The position pays an annual salary of $85,000. Contact: Stephen Whicher, County Administrator, 274-5551.

IN OTHER ACTION:
For the first time since 1992, the County is taking a precautionary measure against the possibility of delayed aid from New York State. The Board voted unanimously to give the finance director latitude to borrow up to $6 million, through the sale of Revenue Anticipation Notes, during 2002, to cover expenses before the aid arrives. Contacts: Tim Joseph, Chair, Budget Committee, 277-2519; Finance Director David Squires, 274-5545.

The County will pay $15,000 to United Radio Services, Inc, of Syracuse for design consulting services on a proposed upgrade to the paging system used by various emergency responders in the county. Contact: Barbara Blanchard, Chair, Communications Capital Committee, 277-1374.

The Board unanimously authorized payment of $16,054 in legal fees associated with the County’s defense against two lawsuits brought by the Town of Ithaca and others regarding land use and the redrawing of election district lines. The total spent by the County on the two suits so far is $63,553. Contact: Michael Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, Government Operations Committee, 255-6668, 257-2329.
 
 

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