MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Legislature will be holding its monthly voting session tonight with several items on the agenda. Among the issues is a resolution that would ask the state legislature to increase the sales tax rate in Chautauqua County. The sales tax rate is currently 7.25 percent, and a group of county lawmakers – lead by County Executive Greg Edwards – would like to see it increased to 8.5 percent. According to Edwards, this is the only way the county would be able to offset a looming $14 million budget gap in 2013.
However, even if a majority of the legislature gives its support to the resolution, it still would need to have the approval of both houses in Albany. Senator Cathy Young has already gone on the record saying that it is unlikely the state Senate would agree to imposing any type of tax increase in the state, even if requested by local lawmakers.
Lawmakers tonight will also act on a resolution that would establish a County Land Bank Corporation as well as a measure that would provide financial backing for Jamestown Community College in its effort to refinance the cost of two of its dormitories. A resolution appointing Susan Marsh as the county’s new finance director will also be acted on this evening.
Tonight’s meeting begins at 6:30 in the legislative chambers in Mayville.
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