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County Legislature Approves Sales Tax Increase
Lawmakers blast freshman State Assemblyman
by Maria Theodore Leiter
Putnam County Legislators approved another increase in the County sales tax last week. At a special meeting convened on July 19, six of the nine lawmakers were present for the 5 to 1 vote in favor of raising the county's portion of the sales tax by half a percentage point. They also decried the actions of Assemblyman Greg Ball, who tried to prevent the state from allowing the legislation to go forward.
The sales tax will go from 7.875% to 8.375%. The County's portion of that new total is 4%.
Only Legislator Tony Hay voted against the measure, saying that he wanted to remain consistent. "It's a matter of last resort. I don't think we are there yet," he said. But, he was outnumbered by the others, who see this as one way to lessen the burden on property tax payers and to prevent cuts in the county's workforce.
After the vote, Legislator Terry Intrary unleashed on the Assemblyman, who was not in attendance, saying, "I really am very disappointed in the process of which we asked for this legislation to be passed. The delay of our representative has cost these taxpayers money. Thank goodness [Assemblywoman] Sandy Galef and [Senator] Vinny Leibell had the common sense to put aside political agendas and do what's right for the people of this County."
Intrary's sentiments were echoed by Legislator Sam Oliverio, who added, "Not only was he inactive, he tried to deep six the proposal. How dare he - a novice - fight the County Executive, the County Legislature and the constituents of this County! What was he thinking? Would he rather see us raise our property taxes 30%? The County Executive was tenacious in his fight."
Intrary also tied the matter to illegal immigration; an issue that Ball has taken on, holding two forums on the subject and a rally against a proposed work shelter for day laborers. "This type of tax makes those illegal [immigrants] contribute to the taxes of this County," said Intrary. "This type forces everyone to pay a little bit. It's the least of all the taxes."
Assemblyman Ball could not be reached in time for comment, but in a letter Ball sent to constituents last month, he said that he has voted against every tax increase that has come across his desk thus far. With regard to the sales tax increase, he stated that he asked the County Executive to come up with alternatives to property and sales tax increases by "trimming fat, targeting patronage jobs and cutting waste." But, he said that he did not get any suggestions from Bondi. He also said, "This sales tax increase will hurt local seniors who do not have the means to travel outside the county as well as local small business owners who are already operating on a shoe string."
Ball acknowledged that he took this stand at great political cost.
"We will be the same as Rockland County and Westchester," Finance Commissioner William Carlin said following the meeting. "With gas at $3.00 a gallon, it will not be the main reason people do not shop in the County. He maintained that last year's increased tax made a significant difference in keeping the property tax increase to 18.65%.
Legislator Regina Morini said that an overwhelming majority of the residents who contact her say that they are desperate for more shopping opportunities within the county. "They want a Costco, they want Patterson Crossing."
"They all say that, but not in their back yard," commented Odell. The new tax figure is expected to be in place for September 1, 2007. It will be effective through 2009; at which time the County would again have to get approval from the State to continue the increase.
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