Local News for June 2, 2023

- Tompkins County Considering A 2 Percent Tax Levy Increase -

Tompkins County Administrator Lisa Holmes is proposing a 2 percent tax levy increase in the 2024 budget. She says it’s necessary to cover rising energy costs and emergency services. It would cost the average homeowner about $50 more. To pay for it the county would have to make cuts like a temporary hiring freeze. The legislature’s in the early planning stages for next year’s budget. 

- Ithaca College Artificial Turf Field Faces Some Opposition After Getting Planning Approval -

The Town of Ithaca approved renovation plans for Ithaca College’s Butterfield Stadium last month. The plan includes installing an artificial turf. Some students and a local non-profit have criticized using a synthetic turf. They say the material contains harmful chemicals and produces microplastics as it disintegrates. Ithaca College says the new turf is better for the environment than natural grass because it doesn’t need as much irrigation or pesticides to maintain. There’s scientific research that supports both positions. WRFI asked Ithaca College for a comment. They didn’t respond to our request. The College already has other artificial turf athletic fields.

- New York State’s Going To Start Closing Unlicensed Pot Shops -

New York’s Cannabis Control Board is starting to shut down unlicensed shops. Governor Hochul signed a new law in May that gives the Board more enforcement power. The Albany Times Union reports  penalties range from seizure of the illegal products, closure of shops, and fines up to $20,000 a day.