May 21, 2012
St. Lawrence County DRAFT Special Board Meeting
Board of Legislators Monday, May 13, 2013
Board Room 6:00 P.M.
Chair Putney called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL: All Legislators were present with the exception of Mr. MacKinnon
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: There was none
PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTIONS: (Note: A motion is needed to suspend the Rules of Procedure for the following resolution)
Mr. Arquiett moved to suspend the Rules of Procedure for the following resolution, seconded by Mr. Morrill and carried.
PRESENTED UNDER SUSPENSION OF THE RULES
RESOLUTION NO. 130-2013
REQUESTING THE ENACTMENT OF SENATE BILL NO. S05104 AND REITERATING SUPPORT FOR ASSEMBLY BILL NO. A4761 TO GRANT ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY AUTHORITY TO ADOPT LOCAL LAWS, ORDINANCES, AND RESOLUTIONS TO INCREASE THE SALES TAX IN ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY
By Mr. Morrill, District 6
WHEREAS, St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators finds that a necessity exists for the enactment of New York State Senate Bill No. S05104 and to reiterate support for Assembly Bill No. A4761, and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 86-2013 was adopted in April supporting authorization for St. Lawrence County to amend the tax law, in relation to authorizing the County of St. Lawrence to impose an additional one percent of sales and compensating use taxes, and
WHEREAS, St. Lawrence County is one of five remaining counties in the State that has not previously increased its sales tax over the three (3%) percent sales tax authorized by Tax Law Section 1210, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators hereby requests the New York Legislature enact Senate Bill No. S05104 and reiterates support for Assembly Bill No. A4761 to grant St. Lawrence County authority to adopt local laws, ordinances, and resolutions to increase the sales tax in St. Lawrence County, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Legislators directs the County Administrator and staff to take all steps necessary to request Home Rule and urge the State of New York to amend Section 1210 of the New York State Tax Law to allow St. Lawrence County to impose a sales tax at one (1%) percent in addition to the three (3%) percent authorized by Section 1210 of the Tax Law, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be forwarded to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senator Joseph Griffo, Senator Patricia Ritchie, Senator Elizabeth O’C Little, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Assemblyman Kenneth Blankenbush, Assemblyman Mark Butler, and Assemblywoman Janet Duprey.
Mr. Morrill moved to adopt Resolution No. 130-2013, seconded by Ms. Brothers, Mr. Arquiett, and Mr. Peck.
Mr. Morrill said we have come a long way. The St. Lawrence County Treasurer was asked to write a letter to move this along. It has been a difficult procedure as the process in Albany is extremely difficult. He said he is grateful for the representation we have to support our Bills.
Mr. Parker said he has been receiving calls from a small majority that do not support this. Whether or not the sales tax goes through the residents are expecting us to keep to the five year plan.
Ms. Brothers said the five year plan is a good plan and she expects to continue to support it. This will enable St. Lawrence County to get back on its feet and be more productive with less emphasis on property tax.
Mr. Acres said the one percent increase will raise $14 million dollars. He said he will support this because the bulk of the money will be returned to property owners. We still need to be fiscally strong. It will be up to the fortitude of this Board.
Mr. Putney said he was contact by Assemblywoman Addie Russell’s office, and the bill is headed to the floor.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS: There was none
CHAIR’S APPOINTMENTS: There was none
ADJOURNMENT – Chair Putney adjourned the meeting at 6:06 p.m., as there was no further business.
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