Local News: September 29, 2023

- Ithaca’s 2024 budget to be presented minus Cornell funding -

It’s municipal budget season. Ithaca Mayor Laura Lewis will present the city’s proposed 2024 budget at the October 4 Common Council meeting. It’ll be the first budget in over 20 years that will not include a contribution from Cornell. The Common Council postponed a vote on the negotiated annual pay agreement until October 11. On October 5, the Tompkins County budget will be presented at a public forum. The public can attend either meeting in person or view them live online.

- Ithaca workers' group says the working class will be hurt if Cornell doesn’t give city more in new funding agreement -

The Ithaca Public Workers Coalition (IPWC) opposes the current $4 million, 21-year voluntary payment agreement negotiated between the City and Cornell University. Instead, spokesperson Thomas Condzella said they’d like to see the length of the deal shortened and want Cornell to put “more money on the table, comparable to their peer institutions.” Condzella added that as a graduate of Cornell, he is disappointed that the Ivy League university won’t invest more in its host city.

- Two employees fired from TC3 childcare facility follow child mistreatment investigation -

The investigations into child abuse complaints at the Tompkins Cortland Community College childcare facility continue, but some changes have already been made. In a statement to WRFI, TC3 representative Peter Voorhees says the college conducted its own investigation and two employees have been fired. He also says other changes are being made and TC3 is cooperating with state investigators. The college hired outside consultants to work with staff to change policies and procedures. So far, the state has determined that three complaints are valid, other were found to be unsubstantiated.