[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6226480,"mediaKeyId","3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25","parentId",3507598,"title","Tompkins County administration outlines hiring plans, HALT schematic work and $42–$48 million government center estimate","audioSeconds",89,"startMs",163000,"endMs",252000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25&start=163&end=252","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25/thumbnail_163000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226480/Tompkins-County/New-York/Tompkins-County-administration-outlines-hiring-plans-HALT-schematic-work-and-4248-million-government-center-estimate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226480-524852f650263469a3a970a3ef0cb92b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810716&Signature=WIz~xhxYjS5Tfntd9nNhEZX15pbeAl9lh6J87ZN7BSxUEBaL4xpGguSHof97g9VqUQk0nAjYEbTbMYTL-VIGJOd1XlxU6F45zhO~cndhfgcpBGZEuRoRxZVgne1L6TCa-FOPxPYapcjqbUgjHN1FI1oYd3oYEucB8YdHOF3b5JkyLdNYVV4hNgYpmd9c4x~uqTFtLXH9CmLjRTzrL~GC802nf6bIuzAspT~zu92fmCBNt1zZ7r~izRcMcLmfEt5XICNKObSTjjHwliaL6qOIYNBt~nDuUn7DYHlP4ZzZRY-Uvx~wibX6A5keKm1n5jVletbofdUNILnwX7V1HQ-SZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tompkins County, NY","date","2025-05-23T00:00:00Z","article","County administration reported on May 16 that hiring is underway for several executive positions and that schematic design work has begun for a proposed government center project with an estimated cost of $42 million to $48 million.

The administration said it is finalizing hiring for the public-health commissioner and anticipates finishing the Department of Social Services commissioner recruitment in the next two to three weeks. Highway Director Jeff Smith announced his retirement effective in July; the administration said recruitment will begin in June and that an interim highway director would be named if a vacancy occurs.

The presentation said the Legislature approved locating a county bureau/department in the planned government center and the architect HALT has begun schematic designs. County staff said deconstruction of the existing site and moving certain departments to interim leased spaces will be part of the project and that the administration is evaluating funding sources to complement county funds.

Administration noted the project cost estimate of $42 million to $48 million and said the county is reviewing options to reduce the fiscal burden, including exploring additional funding sources. Staff also flagged an upcoming EMS presentation to the Public Safety Committee and a possible CGR proposal to analyze countywide EMS funding and operations.

Officials asked about interim arrangements and were told the hiring process for the highway director typically takes about two months and that the county would appoint an interim director as needed. No formal hiring decisions or contract awards were made during the meeting; staff reported status and next steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tompkins County Council of Governments - May 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County administration reported near-term hiring for public‑health and DSS commissioners, a June start to recruit a replacement for retiring highway director Jeff Smith, ongoing HALT schematic design work and an estimated project cost of $42–$48 million for the government center project.","taxTitle","Tompkins County, New York","taxId",52737,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226485,"Cornell presenters outline student engagement programs for local municipalities",1054,1224000,2278000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25&start=1224&end=2278","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25/thumbnail_1224000.jpg","/articles/6226485/Tompkins-County/New-York/Cornell-presenters-outline-student-engagement-programs-for-local-municipalities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226485-355ae03122b1b699fdbd8188f029d12b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810716&Signature=TstZUHB3oyo4-hpSfEQDKQbIWXmDmM1bwL6EhW6ececuC3dyBZSSVcXDlPdvYPu2i9U2tgAzte~tYCjcZTajbhtHAgdcI2831IiptcPdjoYT~nNQYqKifmJIQCJd~e-gZTKb3sWecxESQlqiT39DrCY-gwhGwzJVJiZlxDHeuWje4pXNMeZ3uQ8qMqUcZc1gbdULk9wbV7WXyMtAq38fYceRS3jkEJsd-NfS5dOLCLjUpel-RfhU7pBnyKp7jiA7bOoZKxlTpRANeqQ7df66onpLIAcOXqgNBibpO2HBxSsbZgt6B8jcfMcb9cxd30tcZqIuSyafgEOhhX~j7~Q4OQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from Cornell University's Einhorn Center on May 16 presented several programs that local governments, nonprofits and schools can use to engage undergraduate students for paid and volunteer work.

Nicole McPherson, who coordinates Cornell’s Community Work Study program, described a program that enables eligible students to use federal work-study funds to work for local nonprofits, municipalities and schools. The academic-year program typically recruits in late August; employers must submit job descriptions and complete a short orientation. At least 75% of wages are generally covered by federal work-study funds, with the employer billed for the remainder at term end. Positions must provide community service benefit and cannot displace existing staff.

Renee Farkas, director of student programs at the Einhorn Center, outlined additional opportunities: engaged-opportunity grants for jointly led Cornell-community projects, the Empire State Service Corps (a state-funded program focused on nine public-interest areas that provides up to 300 hours of student work at no cost to the host), and POST, a pre-orientation five-day program that places incoming students with full- or half-day community projects to introduce them to Tompkins County.

Speakers said examples of past student assignments include data analysis, website updates, social-media outreach, operational support, manual-service projects for POST (for example, invasive-species removal or cemetery cleanups), and school or nonprofit support that does not replace paid staff. The presenters offered follow-up contact details and said they would distribute recruiting links and sample job descriptions by email to interested municipal staff.

Municipal representatives asked about eligibility (primarily undergraduates; some graduate students have limited work-study eligibility) and logistical requirements such as supervision, payroll/timecard responsibilities and recruitment through Cornell's Workday system. Presenters said the Einhorn Center and program contacts (including Amy Somchangovan and Whitney Cassie) will help municipalities evaluate eligibility and apply for grants or student placements.","Cornell’s Einhorn Center representatives described community work-study, the Empire State Service Corps, grants and a pre-orientation service program (POST) that municipal employers can use to hire undergraduates for project work.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226490,"County will present EMS service options to Public Safety Committee after TCOG discussion",3536,254000,3790000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25&start=254&end=3790","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25/thumbnail_254000.jpg","/articles/6226490/Tompkins-County/New-York/County-will-present-EMS-service-options-to-Public-Safety-Committee-after-TCOG-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226490-b30808adae7df23c9c2358d3874469dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810716&Signature=owKFxHqpZbvK0jT~TmGmDHZLeL28rJo6hGGDhJtpIkD4GJh~KAMr~-ESqaquczWweLG-ktbdQ7IJwmu6W5BTIcJEn1G44na-JPDdm5j3CqX2Fn7d5N7XEDAPR7VnKXZzOfoElarcE6BBUpA2HYoTBBHHUxF4yr7E0qxQqB00ciChVShNR32dft3r5hBN19Hh6ci-ChfVKo7-twQJ4OqdNOp~9sdCw-foRElU6d~YQHLFPy-J~~CB~iTbIqmBp8D9ISJPKIH2bKrd2iiEgH9H~cDLQO0wcH0iVIe5I6yspQ8K6ZZtj0S18kjnTvM70s009oRK1Xm4z-MOF-v301A6SQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tompkins County legislators and municipal representatives on May 16 discussed ongoing work to analyze countywide emergency medical services and noted two analysis proposals that will be reviewed publicly at the county level.

County administration reported that Mike and his team from Dua will present to the Public Safety Committee next week, and the county is also expecting a proposal from CGR for an analysis and funding mechanism for countywide EMS services. The report described the coming review as an opportunity for the Public Safety Committee and municipalities to weigh models for providing ambulance and EMS services, identify gaps, and address payment or funding strategies.

Discussion participants emphasized persistent gaps in coverage and uneven service by geography. Several speakers noted documented response-time gaps where ambulances took excessive time to arrive and municipal providers are carrying burdens for calls outside their taxing jurisdictions. Officials urged that any county effort incorporate existing municipal and volunteer providers and that stakeholder concerns be included in planning.

A consultant, Paul Bishop of Penfield, was identified by a subcommittee as a potential presenter; committee members said he has statewide experience in EMS consulting and may present a preliminary proposal to the Public Safety Committee as a “proposal to make a proposal.” County staff said the consultant’s work would be one input among internal staff work and stakeholder discussions.

Members discussed state-level conversations about essential services legislation but cautioned that statewide statute or funding was not an immediate solution. The committee encouraged municipalities to view the county’s planned presentations (scheduled for the Public Safety Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 27 at 1 p.m.) and to engage in the review process; no binding decision on service model or funding was made at the TCOG meeting.","County staff and outside consultants will present proposals to the Public Safety Committee on countywide EMS options, including consultant briefings and an analysis of funding and service models.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226494,"Tompkins municipal reps back exploring countywide 9‑1‑1 addressing; consensus to proceed with study",867,2298000,3165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25&start=2298&end=3165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25/thumbnail_2298000.jpg","/articles/6226494/Tompkins-County/New-York/Tompkins-municipal-reps-back-exploring-countywide-911-addressing-consensus-to-proceed-with-study","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226494-c4d5f7c160ca21748dd5e2014d66be73/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810716&Signature=H8~rG7gkZWyGV7jPWZhBY58nekdgE8c1Qk2stRkc90WgzjdM~ltdZeGGoAlONBJK783q-n4eiAfAOZS8i1S7VeO1dp-trAsZ8qtNbQcURFX~Sg2DTVXCWMhUzuXsTdiKYBtvgii-6SCLNsDr3hbUn8ojpbb0PJau96j6fPxqk-6dhbBrxmiznrqTZ3RJ~4qTvW1PHOLnMVZ94rSt9VjuaXLYdt51db1JbABnbORFvsC6HM5VimK2mG6t~63ouegstLHXDHpJQK5YpkGPumx44oMrqJmjuZ8x9NrSvE35a7iSDGunabL9L6MzwUuX81Wxrfi6oRTz24qDNjT1vaiFMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from towns and the city on May 16 expressed support for exploring a countywide 9‑1‑1 addressing system and noted several recurring local problems such a misnumbered roads, duplicate road names across municipalities and addresses that are out of sequence.

Mark reported he had spoken with Michael Stitely, who suggested two conditions for a countywide system: unanimous buy-in from municipalities and authority to correct historical addressing errors. Multiple municipal representatives said they would welcome the county taking on the work if it produced a single, consistent addressing scheme.

Speakers described practical problems the change would aim to fix: roads where numbers on one side run in the hundreds while numbers on the opposite side run in the thousands, municipal boundary roads with different numbering rules, and individual properties already having conflicting town/county records. Several officials said code officers support a unified system to reduce ad hoc, town-by-town fixes.

Participants acknowledged there will be resident inconvenience — changing longstanding house numbers — and noted recent local experiences: one town reported initial resistance but said delivery of new 9‑1‑1 signage and information helped residents adopt new numbers without major issues. Officials also raised the need to coordinate with private mapping providers (for example Google Maps) so maps and navigation update after renumbering.

Meeting participants asked for a formal next step. The group agreed there was no recorded opposition during the discussion and that the committee secretary should record a consensus to look into county administration of addressing. Mark was asked to follow up with county staff and to arrange a more in-depth presentation from county addressing staff or consultants when available.

No vote or ordinance change was taken at the meeting; the item was recorded as a consensus to investigate next steps and to seek further technical detail from county staff or vendors.","Representatives from multiple towns said they support exploring a county-managed, standardized addressing system to resolve misnumbering, duplicate names and emergency response confusion.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226500,"Tompkins County posts flood-information hub as new FEMA maps take effect June 18",808,139000,947000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25&start=139&end=947","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3507598-ab046d5b5937cf5b36bdc8d8befbcc25/thumbnail_139000.jpg","/articles/6226500/Tompkins-County/New-York/Tompkins-County-posts-flood-information-hub-as-new-FEMA-maps-take-effect-June-18","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226500-02e2ccb8988ed1666c88625a97f5a64c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770810716&Signature=Rak~-DVlnAlLWRgaeuy8FtEWB-agrNMmMWF4wK8Y6ltS0NvN2O7Q7~nsyez4DNOfVN4pO1NxLyNfOXZznCXl7cVJN~LSCZWAbgv1nzOt-RVxtfBAM8tr2KBcE0I95BNEpt-nfS10~qDUnYIsr1hwWMG2qdSJUDCNqieuu1-dx3R~Qi5rt2zucn3meeuPmZx4GdTb6LRQKHYrpkGUMbMspLRrMIxKcJkLuPTPXhgd-bqJ~-1FjtxHpUnMI1~u9A6ybzgC6slyY564KGJwPmD9AYgRga8l5xT4rwdZ69mTqmq6qLqR2irr0CThRpWp~0HDrSWkwF93B1sQfSxIlNv80Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County Planning and Sustainability staff on May 16 previewed a new Tompkins County flood-information web page and resources intended to help residents interpret updated FEMA flood maps that become effective June 18.

The online hub centralizes flood insurance guidance, short explainer videos, a renters-focused section (noting renters can buy contents-only flood insurance), tools for searching property flood map status, and preparedness materials including checklists and links to siren alerts. The presentation emphasized the county's goal of creating self-service materials so residents can answer many routine questions before contacting local officials.

Planning staff said the page retains existing flood-insurance guidance and adds a new “flood risks and preparedness” tab with short videos about what flood risk means, how mapping is done, and how to secure documents or prepare a home. The presenter noted archived materials remain available and that the county has an online form at the bottom of the page for residents to request additional content.

Local officials praised the materials. Mark (who noted the town of Caroline will hold a public hearing on its revised flood damage prevention law June 4) said the page will be useful for town presentations. Several town representatives said the consolidated resources could help answer community concerns about insurance costs and regulation.

The presentation also clarified two points frequently raised in discussions: flood shelters are not pre‑assigned by the county during good weather (they are stood up after an emergency), and the page includes links to FEMA FAQs, guidance for homeowners and renters, and information for real estate and insurance agents. Planning staff said they had FEMA approval for a set of FAQs originally drafted after earlier county meetings.

The web page includes videos on how flood insurance premiums are determined, how to obtain an elevation certificate and how to submit a claim; it also points users to local contacts and road-closure/power-outage maps. The presenter encouraged municipalities and residents to use the web form to request additional resources the county should post.

County staff said they will continue updating the page as questions come in and invited committee members to share the link with constituents and to contact planning staff with suggested additions.","Planning and Sustainability staff previewed a new county web page compiling flood maps, insurance guidance and preparedness resources ahead of FEMA maps becoming effective June 18.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tompkins County administration outlines hiring plans, HALT schematic work and $42–$48 million government center estimate

Cornell presenters outline student engagement programs for local municipalities

County will present EMS service options to Public Safety Committee after TCOG discussion

Tompkins municipal reps back exploring countywide 9‑1‑1 addressing; consensus to proceed with study

Tompkins County posts flood-information hub as new FEMA maps take effect June 18