Interim Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes presented her recommended 2022 Tompkins County budget on Sept. 14, totaling $194 million. The budget is recommended with a proposed 2.7% tax levy increase
Interim Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes presented an overview of the $19.8 million of one-time American Rescue Plan funds made available to the County, including key dates, restrictions on use of the funds, and options for use of the funding for one-time expenses in the Capital Program at the County Legislature meeting on June 15. Holmes explained that proposals regarding the Capital Program would enable more flexibility in target funding for departments and agencies as well as long-term budget stability and fund balance, while supporting emissions reduction goals that were adjusted during the pandemic.
The presentation outlined the 2021 budget impacts on the County from the pandemic including the elimination of 47 full time equivalent positions (inclusive of 41 retirements), a 6% ($11.5M) reduction in spending, capital program and agency funding cuts and reduced sales tax.