Essex County Board of Supervisors Passes a Resolution to Amend State Law Regarding the Distribution of Occupancy Taxes

Towns in Essex County receive 5% of the occupancy taxes collected from hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, and the remainder goes to the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST). This is mandated in state law. In August, the Essex County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to ask the NYS Legislature to amend the law. They argued that it is illegal and improper that the law designates only one vendor for tourism and development services (ROOST). Essex County is the only county in New York state that is mandated to contract for their tourism and development services from a particular vendor.

The amendment asks that the occupancy tax monies be deposited in the General Fund of the County. The monies then would be used at the discretion of the County Legislature (the Board of Supervisors) for the purposes of tourism and economic development. In addition, it asks that the County be allowed to retain 10% of the revenue for the purpose of offsetting the costs of administering the remaining 90% of the occupancy tax revenue. The occupancy taxes constitute a substantial amount of money. Revenues went from $2,868,655.00 in 2018 to $7,097,074.00 in 2024.

The resolution was passed by a vote of 14 to 4. North Elba Town Supervisor, Derek Doty, was one of the four who voted against the resolution. According to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, he is concerned that if the taxes go to the General Fund, Towns like his that generate a large portion of the taxes would not get an equitable share.

Unfortunately, with Billy Jones' resignation, Essex County no longer has a representative in the State Assembly. However, if you have an opinion about this resolution, you can contact Senator Dan Stec. His contact information is on our website here.