Archive: News

Merger Plan for Public Health and Mental Health Departments Approved
Following six months on intensive Task Force study and a month of thoughtful review by legislators, the Legislature authorized the County to move ahead and implement a plan to merge the County's Departments of Public Health and Mental Health into one department, identifying the responsibilities of departmental leadership of the two departments to be provided in a merged model, with full merger of the Departments to take effect as of July 2021. The vote was 11-3, with Legislators Dan Klein, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, and Henry Granison voting no. The fully merged structure would replace the shared leadership model, which has been in effect for the past four years.

Mirroring findings of the Task Force, the resolution notes that "one department will best meet the needs of the clients, staff, and community as public health and mental health will function not just as opportunistic collaborating partners but will be working side-by-side to support progress toward achieving one single vision, and that as a single department, staff members will operate under a shared vision to support clients in achieving better health-related outcomes, be it mental or physical, both at the individual and community level."

As part of the discussion before the approval vote, Legislator Mike Sigler raised the question of how to balance what he sees as the largely individualized approach of the Mental Health Department with the frequent Public Health focus on larger wide-ranging issues. Frank Kruppa, who directs both departments remarked that there are strengths in both departments, and each can benefit the other. Looking ahead to the process ahead, Legislator Deborah Dawson said she hopes the County takes advantage of planning expertise within the departments; Legislator Amanda Champion said she'd encourage that the planning process set measurable goals to assess whether the plan is working and makes sense. Legislator Granison asked about financial aspects and why the study was pursued from a revenue-neutral perspective.

Following the approval vote, Chair Robertson thanked all who were involved in the process, and department head Frank Kruppa for his leadership of the Public Health and Mental Health Departments over the past four years.

Legislature Modifies Public Officer Residency Requirement
The Legislature approved a new Local Law that amends Chapter 133 of the County Code to modify the residency requirement for public officers, as provided for under NYS Public Officers Law. After considerable discussion, the vote was 9-5, with Legislators Amanda Champion, Anne Koreman, Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, and Dan Klein voting no. A public hearing on the proposed change was held earlier this month (no comments were received.) The amendment provides for waivers of the residency requirement in certain cases for non-elective public officer positions, such as department heads.

The waiver may be granted in instances where the County has difficulty in hiring of promoting the most qualified person due to the residency requirement or no qualified resident has applied, and also in the case of a current employee who moves outside the county for demonstrated good cause. The position of County Administrator remains subject to the public officer residency requirement. Public officer positions of Probation Officer are exempt under the law, and positions of Deputy Sheriff, Assistant District Attorney and Corrections Officer in Tompkins County are exempt from by prior Legislature action.

During discussion, several Legislators raised concerns—among them, Legislator Klein stated department heads are high-paying positions who have a big impact on decisions and should also be bound by them. Legislator McBean-Clairborne said she was troubled that, at a time when some people are being pushed out of the center of the county to outlying areas due to the cost of housing that we should not be requiring that department heads reside in the county. Administrator Jason Molino noted that around eight current department deputies live outside the County and lack of the provision for a potential waiver would prevent their opportunity to seek to advance to a department head position.

Chair Martha Robertson said, "For me it's not so much that someone cannot afford to move into TC….it is that, for someone within reasonable commuting time, many would consider a position in TC, but do not want to uproot their family…For me this is a matter for looking for excellent people for our departments…I think this is worth a try."

Saying that she supports local people doing local jobs, Legislator Shawna Black advanced an amendment, which was accepted, that a review of this change take place in two years, by December 2021, to examine how many waivers have been granted and how the program is working.

Airport Bond Resolution Approved
The Legislature, by unanimous vote, authorized the 2020 issuance of $10 million in one-year Airport Bond Anticipation Notes (the Legislature's action necessary to comply with Section 147(f) of the federal Internal Revenue Code to ensure that the bond issue is exempt from Alternative Minimum Tax). The one-year note issue will refund and supplement $7.5 million in Airport BANs issued in 2019 to support the Airport improvement project. Finance Director Rick Snyder has noted that the one-year BAN will give the County some time to determine the project's ultimate financing options.

Elizabeth Cree Reappointed as Commissioner of Elections
Republican Elections Commissioner Elizabeth Cree was appointed to a new two-year term, commencing January 1, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2021. Chair Martha Robertson said that she understands that that the certificate for the appointment was not filed by the December 1 deadline, and that in such a case State law defines that the Republican members of the Legislature may vote on the appointment of the Republican Commissioner for a two-year term. Robertson ruled the certificate not timely filed and put the matter to a vote.

Cree's appointment was approved by a vote of 3-0, Legislators Mike Sigler, Dave McKenna, and Glenn Morey all voting in favor.


Among other business,

Deputy Director of Finance Andrew Braman reported on October sales tax receipts. The County’s portion of year-to-date receipts was $31.8 million, based on non-reconciled figures from New York State, up 4.04% from its comparable level a year ago.

v15i46