Highlights of the Feb. 4 legislature meeting 

Below are the highlights of the Feb. 4 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature. 

Proclamation of February as Black History Month

A proclamation was read recognizing the significance of February as Black History Month in Tompkins County. Special honors were given to local Black historical figures: civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy Cotton, Pulitzer Prize winner Alex Haley, Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison, and Ruth Carol Taylor (the first black flight attendant in the United States), among others. The Pan-African flag will be flown on all County flagpoles during Black History Month.

Addressing Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Tompkins County

Public comment was heard in response to ICE activity that occurred in Ithaca last week. A letter was read by a community member with over 200 signatures from County residents, in support of Sheriff Osborne and the County in the face of federal pressures. Ithaca City Common Council representatives shared that they will be reaffirming the City of Ithaca’s Sanctuary City status at Common Council meeting on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

County Attorney Maury Josephson shared statements that had been put forth to the media following the Department of Justice’s press release to clarify NYS laws and local policies were followed: “The Sheriff and his staff acted consistently with New York State law and judicial decisions, County policy, guidance of the New York Attorney General’s Office, and guidance of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. There was no interference with federal immigration enforcement efforts. DOJ’s assertion that the Tompkins County Sheriff did anything to put federal law enforcement officers in danger is false and offensive. The safety of all law enforcement is our top priority. In contrast, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were notified of when the individual in question was going to be released and had every opportunity to come to the jail to obtain the individual in question without any need for a pursuit or other incident.”

Many legislators thanked their constituents for being active with expressing concerns. Legislator Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) reminded the community of the resolution passed by the County Legislature in 2017, to Maintain a Safe, Inclusive Government and Ensure the Protection, Order, Conduct, Safety, Health, and Well-Being of All Persons in Tompkins County. Attorney Josephson reiterated how this resolution informs county staff on appropriate steps to take when encountering federal law enforcement within work-place settings.

Resolution to arm probation officers returns to legislative floor

A resolution was brought forth by Chair of the Public Safety Committee Rich John (D-Ithaca) to arm designated Probation Officers when responding to high-risk situations. Originally brought forth in September 2024, the resolution was revised following community engagement sessions to include language advising when probation officers would be armed, when the officer may need to carry concealed vs. carry openly and calls for use of psychological testing for officers who would carry arms, similar to those taken by law enforcement officers. The resolution carried 12-2 following discussion, with an amendment to develop a parallel policy for the use of body cameras for armed probation officers when engaged in field work. The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services will need to approve any policy set forth by the TC Legislature before implementation.