A recent vote by Yates County lawmakers will keep a long-running mortgage tax in place while sidestepping a new state requirement tied to short-term rentals.
The County Legislature adopted two local laws that affect homeowners, lenders, and short-term rental oversight across Yates County.
Mortgage recording tax extended
One of the new laws renews Yates County’s additional mortgage recording tax, a fee charged when mortgages get recorded.
Starting Dec. 1, the county will continue charging 25 cents for every $100 of mortgage debt, or major fraction of it. Mortgages under $100 still face a flat 25-cent charge.
The law continues a tax first authorized locally in 2005. It applies to mortgages recorded on or after Dec. 1.
The county will collect the tax the same way it collects other state-authorized mortgage taxes. After administrative costs, the county treasurer deposits the money into the county’s general fund.
The renewed tax runs for two years. It expires Dec. 1, 2027, unless lawmakers act again.
County opts out of short-term rental registry
The second law takes a very different approach.
New York state law now requires counties to create a registration system for short-term rental units. But it also allows counties to opt out.
Yates County chose that option.
Under the new local law, the county will not establish a registration system for short-term rental units. The law took effect immediately after filing with the Secretary of State on Nov. 14.
The law does not create new rules for rentals. It simply declines to set up the state-authorized registry.
Together, the two measures show how county leaders are balancing revenue needs with decisions about local control.
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