Local News

Tompkins County Delays Property Reassessments Amid Software Upgrade. Tompkins County's Assessment Department is temporarily suspending most property reassessments while transitioning to a new appraisal software system. The conversion, affecting data for over 36,000 properties, is part of a technology upgrade that began in 2015. During the pause, the county has implemented a simplified process by increasing assessed property values across the board by 5 percent. This approach is intended to streamline operations as the system upgrade continues. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Apr 16) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY

Ithaca Sundae Showdown Highlights Local History and Community Engagement. Downtown Ithaca will host the second annual Sundae Showdown on April 19, inviting residents to sample and vote on ten sundae recipes at the Downtown Conference Center. The event, running from 1 to 4 p.m., serves as a fundraiser for The History Center in Tompkins County, supporting public programming and historical preservation efforts. The occasion also celebrates Ithaca's claim as the birthplace of the ice cream sundae, though this is subject to ongoing debate. Proceeds will help sustain local history initiatives. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Apr 16) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY Manitowoc, WI

Tompkins County Ends AI License Plate Reader Program Amid Privacy Concerns. Tompkins County legislators have voted to discontinue their agreement with Flock Safety, resulting in the termination of an AI-powered license plate reader program. The decision follows significant public opposition, with critics citing concerns over surveillance and potential misuse of data, particularly relating to federal immigration enforcement. Although some officials noted the system was not comprehensive surveillance, the county will now focus on maintaining anti-violence funding and may consider alternatives such as mobile camera trailers. Some community members and law enforcement remain concerned about future public safety strategies. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Apr 16) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY

Ithaca City Leaders Delay Decision on At-Will Employment Changes. Ithaca officials have postponed progress on a proposal that would end at-will employment, citing the need for additional data before making decisions. Proponents believe a just-cause requirement would better protect employees from abrupt termination. However, opponents express concerns that such changes could increase costs and legal liabilities for local businesses. The city committee is set to conduct further research as legal review is postponed. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Apr 15) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY

Tompkins County Legislature Votes to Terminate Flock Safety Camera Contract. The Tompkins County Legislature has voted overwhelmingly to end its contract with Flock Safety, a company supplying AI-powered cameras used to monitor and track vehicles. The decision follows sustained advocacy by local residents and activists, who raised privacy and surveillance concerns regarding the use of this technology by county law enforcement. This move mirrors a similar action recently taken by the City of Ithaca. The county will no longer use Flock cameras to aid law enforcement activities. (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Apr 15) Finger Lakes Ithaca, NY

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