ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A key Tompkins County department will remain in Ithaca.

The county has scrapped a potential plan to move the Board of Elections (BOE) to Dutchmill Road in Lansing after robust feedback from the community.

“We especially acknowledge the valuable public input received through phone calls, emails, and in-person conversations concerning the potential relocation of the Board of Elections outside the City of Ithaca,” said County Administrator Korsah Akumfi. “We deeply appreciate our residents’ passion for democratic participation and their commitment to maintaining an accessible and inclusive electoral process.”

Akumfi says they’re reviewing suitable locations.

The BoE was slated to be moved as part of the departmental reorganizing process associated with the Tompkins County Center of Government building project.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure continuity of services during this transition, while also preserving the integrity and accessibility of the democratic process for all Tompkins County residents,” said Tompkins County Legislative Chair Dan Klein.

County officials say keeping the BOE within the seat of government is a logistical necessity and a symbolic commitment to the values of transparency, accessibility, and civic trust.