FAQs about Our County Government

General Information about the Tompkins County Legislature

  • The Tompkins County Legislature is the governing body for Tompkins County.

    The County is divided into 16 districts (click to view the current district map) and each district has one representative on the legislature.

    The mission of the Tompkins County Legislature, as stated in the County Charter, is the following:

    “The mission of the Tompkins County Legislature is to collectively meet the needs of our residents and communities and to realize the Legislators' articulated vision. County government may perform those functions not provided as well by individuals, the private sector, other levels of government, or the not-for-profit sector. County activities will be designed to protect and enhance the lives of the County's diverse residents and communities in ways that are compassionate, ethical, and creative within the limits of what residents financially support.”

  • District 16 (the former District 5) encompasses the Town of Ulysses, including the Village of Trumansburg, as well as a portion of the Town of Enfield. 

    Click here to view the current BOE map

  • According to the County Charter, the County is responsible for the following:

    “Allocate fiscal resources consistent with our vision, goals, policies, and community needs.

    • Foster open and honest communication among governments and County residents and employees. County government will initiate dialogue on the community needs, the appropriate role of County government, and level of satisfaction with the County's direction, initiatives, and services.

    • Create and implement policies that:

      • Enhance the economic opportunity and well-being of all County residents.

      • Safeguard the health, safety, and rights of our residents and employees.

      • Protect the natural environment for future generations and maintain the built environment.

      • Prevent the need for more costly future services.

    • Encourage and support programs that:

      • Achieve the County's goals.

      • Deliver needed services.

      • Serve vulnerable populations.

      • Strengthen families and communities.

      • Enhance quality of life.

    • Operate a well-run organization by:

      • Using a well-trained, diverse workforce of employees, qualified contractors, and volunteers.

      • Providing adequate personnel, financial, facility, and informational support to approved programs.

      • Producing a balanced budget that supports the County's vision, mission, and goals and maintains appropriate reserves for future uncertainties.

      • Carrying out the mandates of state and federal governments.

      • Acting as a resource and partner for other local governments.

      • Responding flexibly and responsibly to emerging needs and changing mandates.”

What services does Tompkins County provide?

    • Public Health and Wellness: 

    • Social Services: 

    • Job Opportunities:

    • Aging Services:

      • Programs and support for aging adults, families and caregivers: tcgov.co/cofa

    • Veterans Services: 

      • Connecting local Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces – and their families – with federal, state, and local resources: tcgov.co/veterans

    • 911 & Emergency Response: 

      • The Department of Emergency Response (DoER) oversees County-wide emergency dispatch and communications systems that allow residents to dial 9-1-1 to receive emergency medical, fire, police, or other emergency help from any phone within Tompkins County: tcgov.co/doer

    Information is sourced from the Tompkins County Local Resource Guide, as well as the County websites listed above

  • The County government is made up of elected officials working alongside appointed officials. Counties work with all other levels of government in order to deliver services to the communities they contain. 

    Information is sourced from the Tompkins County Local Resource Guide, as well as the County websites listed above

  • Information is sourced from the Tompkins County Local Resource Guide, as well as the County websites listed above