The state Legislature has passed legislation extending Cayuga County's authority to charge an additional 1% sales tax.
State law allows counties to institute a 3% local sales tax. The tax could go up to 4%, but the counties must receive state legislative approval for the additional 1%.
Cayuga County has charged the additional 1% sales tax since 1992, according to the legislation. The most recent authorization expires in November.Â
The total sales tax in Cayuga County is 8%. The state's share is 4%, while the county's tax is 4%.
The Cayuga County Legislature approved a resolution in January to send requests to the county's state representatives — state Sen. Rachel May, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan and Assemblyman John Lemondes — for legislation to extend the sales tax authorization.
Lemondes, R-LaFayette, and May, D-Syracuse, introduced the to extend the additional 1% sales tax through November 2027. The state Senate passed the bill by a 52 to 8 vote on May 27. The state Assembly passed it 120 to 26 on Wednesday.
Cayuga County's state legislative delegation voted for the measure.
It will be one of hundreds of bills sent to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her review. She is expected to sign the legislation.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
