The Wayne County Board of Supervisors recently approved a measure to help lower costs at the pump.
The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to cut sales tax on fuel at their special meeting on Friday, April 29.
“Currently, we charge 4% on the whole purchase,” said County Treasurer Patrick Schmitt, according to Finger Lakes Times.
The resolution means Wayne County will switch to a cents-per-gallon method of taxation, which had previously been adopted in nearby Monroe and Seneca counties. The county would get 8 cents per every gallon pumped.
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The county’s sales tax reduction on fuel will be in place from June 1 to December 1, 2022.
Schmitt said the change will amount to a $1.6 million loss in county sales tax revenue over the five-month period. County Administrator Rick House noted the sales tax reduction is likely not sustainable in the long-term, but the county is a good place regarding its sales tax revenue.
The county’s sales tax reduction on fuel coincides with the state’s gas tax holiday. House said the resolution approved on Friday had to be passed by May 2 or else it would have to wait until August.
Some supervisors expressed concerns over potential price gouging.
“It’s really going to be consumer pressure (that will ensure there is no gouging),” said Schmitt, adding that “the consumer should see a reduction.”
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