ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Tompkins County leaders remain split about the Center of Government building project.

The Facilities and Infrastructure Committee had a special meeting Tuesday, April 25, 2023, to discuss how to proceed after recent meetings left them with more questions than answers. The meeting was well attended, with 10 of the 14 legislators there, as well as Tompkins County Attorney Bill Troy.

The county acquired properties on North Tioga Street several years ago with the intent to build a Center of Government that would consolidate services in a permanent home. Some members of the committee, citing cost and the economic climate, expressed they’d like to know more before committing to the project. County Administration has expressed that not proceeding with a plan would be costly and could potentially have ramifications with Ithaca’s land use policy.

Legislator Deborah Dawson is on the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee. She says they must move forward with a plan if they want to be prepared to take advantage of sudden shifts in construction costs.

 

However, Legislator Mike Lane, who Chairs the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, thinks the money could be better spent elsewhere.

 

Tompkins County Legislator and Ithaca Common Council Chair Shawna Black disagrees.

Legislator Dan Klein echoed the sentiment of some at the meeting. Klein acknowledged that it’s a difficult decision, but, like Dawson and Legislator Greg Mezey, thinks it’s time to vote.

 

The meeting concluded with County Administration agreeing to craft a comprehensive plan for the building with interims costs and solutions to bring back to the committee for consideration. All present members committed to meeting additional times.