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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