County administrator reports vacate order lifted, weekly casework and intent to pursue a certificate of need for EMS oversight

County administrator Corso gave a multi-part update to the Tompkins County Council of Governments. He said a vacate order on a residential building was lifted and most displaced residents have returned from hotels; state agency staff including OTDA and ACR conducted an on-site census to assess occupants' needs. Corso said security is now on-site around the clock and building entry is controlled.

Corso reported the public safety committee approved a resolution to pursue a certificate of need (CON) for emergency medical services and that the resolution will be brought to the full legislative chamber at the next meeting. "That resolution will be brought before the full chamber at the next meeting," he said. If the chamber approves, staff will begin the formal CON application process; Corso said the certificate would allow the county to set standards for EMS operators in the county even if the county does not staff its own ambulance service.

Council members asked about oversight for the CON process and Corso said a working group or subcommittee through the public safety committee will provide oversight; members asked to be liaisons to keep the county's efforts coordinated across municipalities.

Corso also updated the council about other committee work (a CGR report review and the Flock safety camera contract evaluation) and said the county attorney's office is assessing implications. The council discussed next steps and asked staff to continue to provide updates as the CON and other processes move forward.