The Seneca County Board of Supervisors decided to postpone a decision on a sales tax revenue sharing proposal during their May meeting.
The proposal, which involves allocating 10% of the county’s estimated $31 million sales tax revenue for 2023 to the area’s 10 towns and four villages, was sent back to the board’s Ways & Means Committee for further refinement. The board is considering the formation of a special sub-committee specifically to tackle the sales tax issue.
Proponents argue that the county has sufficient revenue to support the towns and villages, which primarily rely on property taxes. However, concerns about potential tax increases and unforeseen expenses have been raised.
Interlaken Mayor Rich Richardson emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing the financial strain particularly on the southern end of the county due to various economic factors. Supervisors expressed varied views, with some advocating for a sharing plan that would not affect the county tax rate, while others suggested more comprehensive considerations including Medicaid costs, countywide ambulance services, and union contracts. The proposal was unanimously voted to be returned to the committee for further review.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]