Secret meeting prompts outrage among hoteliers and innkeepers.

2009-08-14 06:37:25 - New tax would require hoteliers and innkeepers to collect an additional 5% Bed Tax on top of the existing 8.25% Sales Tax.

A secret meeting was held on Aug. 6th at 7 pm to discuss and vote on a proposed and only 2 Orange County hotels were represented. No one else, including a few of our elected officials seem to know anything about this meeting at which Jeff Berkman, Orange county legislator from Middletown, NY cast the only NO vote on Local Law No. 17 which would require hoteliers and innkeepers to collect an additional 5% Bed Tax on top of the existing 8.25% Sales Tax.

In 2007 lodging alone contributed $59 million to the Orange County budget. Visitors and residents already pay 8.25% NY State Sales Tax on every dollar they spend in the county including clothing which they could get tax free in nearby New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This new tax has the potential to cut into the millions generated by Woodbury Common Premium Outlets which will soon have competition in nearby Sussex County, New Jersey.

In addition to putting a strain on already hurting tourist businesses, many hotel employees will have to be laid off. This tax will have a negative impact on all aspects of tourism including restaurants, shops, bed & breakfasts, catering, events, weddings, wineries and all the ancillary services that go with them. A spokesperson at the County Executive's office has confirmed that the law is not final and concerned citizens can have their opinions heard at the final meeting next Thursday, August 20th at 9:00am Orange, NY County Gov't Center, Conference Room 321., Goshen NY,

For more information or to voice your concerns please call.

County Executive, Edward A. Diana (845) 291-2700 or (845) 291-2690

or Commissioner of Finance, Joel Kleinman (845) 291-2488

emails should be addressed to legislature@co.orange.ny.us

August 20th @ 9:00am at the
Orange County Government Center
Conference Room 321
255 Main Street
Goshen, NY 10924,

To obtain a copy of this proposed new law you must go to the

Office of the Clerk of the Legislature, Room 302 (across the hall from Motor Vehicles)
ask for a True Copy of Local Law # 17.