Referred to: The Ways and Means Committee (Chairwoman Archer and Legislators Bartels, Gavaris, Haynes, Maio, Ronk, and Walter)

Chairman David B. Donaldson and Legislators John Parete and Laura Petit offer the following:

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect upon the economy of Ulster County, further jeopardizing the availability of affordable housing within the County; and

WHEREAS, the significant loss in County revenue resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic makes it necessary for Ulster County to acquire additional revenue to ensure the availability of affordable housing and related services, including but not limited to, a municipal housing action plan, an affordable housing rehabilitation program, an educational campaign, a housing development process, among other initiatives; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, the New York State Legislature and Governor are requested to pass legislation amending Article 31 of the New York State Tax Law, adding subdivision “H”, permitting the County of Ulster to adopt and amend a local law imposing in the County of Ulster a tax on each conveyance of real property or interest therein when the consideration exceeds five hundred dollars, at the rate of fifty cents for each five hundred dollars or fractional part thereof; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Ulster County Legislature is hereby authorized to submit a Home Rule Request (Request by Local Government for Enactment of a Special Law), pursuant to Article IX of the New York State Constitution upon introduction of the above requested legislation; and, be it further

RESOLVED, this Home Rule Request shall be forwarded to the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader, Assembly Speaker, Assembly Majority Leader, Assembly Minority Leader, New York State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill and New York State Senator Mike Martucci,

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                   NOES:    

Passed Committee: Ways and Means on _____________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

TBD – ANNUAL COUNTY TAX REVENUE