Assemblyman John Lemondes, R-LaFayette, has voiced his opposition to Auburn’s proposed hotel tax, dealing a significant setback to the city’s revenue-boosting efforts.
Lemondes announced his stance in a statement released Monday, five months after the city council requested him and state Sen. Rachel May, D-Syracuse, to sponsor legislation allowing Auburn to institute the tax. Sen. May had introduced the bill in January, but state approval is required for municipalities to enact an occupancy tax.
In March, Lemondes held a public meeting with the city council to gather feedback, where some speakers opposed the tax. However, Lemondes had not publicly disclosed his position until now. Officials were under the impression he would support the bill, but that didn’t come to fruition.
Lemondes emphasized his concern about the tax’s potential impact on visitors and local businesses. While acknowledging Cayuga County’s existing occupancy tax, he suggested Auburn should share in that revenue. However, the County has not been willing to negotiate on that matter.
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