ITHACA, N.Y. — Tompkins County legislators rejected two new size options for a planned Center of Government on March 3, deciding instead to stick with the direction set in 2025 after neither alternative won a majority. County Administrator Korsah Akumfi and Deputy Administrator Norma Jayne had presented four-story concepts at 37,850 and 57,521 square feet, but both failed to pass following debate over scope and cost. According to the administrators, space shortages and years of deferred facility work leave no viable “do nothing” path.
Cost concerns drove much of the dissent. Legislator Iris Packman estimated about $20 million in debt service over 25 years and argued those dollars could better address urgent needs, including emergency response and jail conditions. Legislator Travis Brooks warned the project could add roughly a 3% to 5% increase to the tax levy by itself. Several lawmakers — including Irene Weiser, Deborah Dawson, Randy Brown and Judith Hubbard — said they preferred the previously adopted approach, while Legislature Chair Shawna Black countered that county employees are working in cramped conditions.
How the debate landed: HOLT Architects’ A. Quay Thompson said an earlier 48,000-square-foot, $50 million target proved too optimistic as programming advanced, growing to about 57,000 square feet and a $60 million budget. After both new options failed, Brown quipped that the administration’s marching orders were to follow the 2025 resolution and not bring back fresh designs, signaling a return to the prior plan.
Background: The Legislature’s June 3, 2025 action authorized up to $50 million for a Center of Government on the 300 block of North Tioga Street and related renovations to county buildings on East Court Street, a move meant to consolidate services now scattered across constrained offices. The project has been publicly discussed since at least 2019. (tompkinscountyny.gov)
Source: Ithaca Voice. Background confirmation from Tompkins County’s June 3, 2025 Legislature highlights. (tompkinscountyny.gov)
