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125 E. Court St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-5551
(607) 274-5558 (fax)
Hours:
Administrative Offices: 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Mon-Fri
Public Service Offices: 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Mon-Fri
  • About

    Tompkins County was founded in 1817. Since 1970, it has operated under a County Charter, with a legislature-administrator form of government.

    County Legislature-
    Oversees county services and spending
    Sets policy and determines the best use of financial resources
    Appoints the County Administrator, County Finance Director, County Attorney, and Legislative Clerk
    Legislators elected every four years from districts of approximately equal population size. As of 2014, the number of legislators and districts decreased from 15 to 14, as a result of the 2010 Census

    County Administrator-
    Oversees and coordinates county government operations to carry out policies of the Legislature
    Appoints all other non-elected department heads, subject to Legislature confirmation
    Guides delivery of services by employees of county departments and through contracts with not-for-profit agencies and service providers

  • Whom to Contact