Ithaca · Local digest

The Tompkins County Legislature met on October 6, 2026, addressing several matters affecting Ithaca residents. A public hearing is scheduled for October 20, 2026, regarding the Monroe Balancing Test for the county's emergency shelter at 654 Elmira Road in the Town of Ithaca, with discussion of code enforcement responsibilities involving the Town of Ithaca. The legislature also scheduled a public hearing on the proposed 2027 County Budget and Capital Program for October 27, 2026, which will address local infrastructure and fiscal planning priorities. County Administrator Korsah Akumfi reported preparations for the upcoming Code Blue season, with the Cherry Street shelter expected to open on November 15, though emergency shelter will be provided when temperatures including wind chill fall below 32 degrees beforehand, using hotel accommodations for isolated cold-weather nights. The legislature directed County Attorney Maury Josephson to examine whether Cornell University-owned fraternity properties should qualify for property tax exemptions, with discussion of how assessments reflect property values and different types of university-owned Greek-letter housing.

The New York State Department of Transportation announced lane restrictions on northbound Route 13 in Ithaca between West Clinton and Hancock Streets from October 19 through November 20. The two-lane reduction is to allow crews to conduct drainage infrastructure work as part of a Route 13 rebuild project, with work subject to weather conditions. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and drive responsibly in the work zone, where speeding fines are doubled.

The Tompkins County Legislature's Expanded Budget Committee voted in October 2026 on the 2027 Tentative Budget, reducing the proposed property tax levy increase from 11.96% to approximately 7.69%, resulting in a $61.24 million levy. For a median-priced home valued at $290,000, the county tax bill would increase by about $52 to approximately $1,521. Key decisions included adopting a 2% vacancy factor for personnel costs (reducing the levy by $1.4 million), increasing sales-tax revenue projections by $800,000, rejecting a proposal to shift $500,000 in airport funding from the property tax levy, and eliminating proposed positions for a Communications Specialist and others while retaining a Grants and Contracts Coordinator. The full legislature will consider the amended budget at its October 20 meeting, with a public hearing scheduled for October 27.