The city council will vote this week on a resolution asking state representatives for legislation to establish the local tax. The home rule request is necessary because the state Legislature would need to pass the bill and it must be signed by the governor for the city to institute a hotel tax.听
The resolution would give Auburn Mayor Jimmy Giannettino authority to submit the request to the city's state legislators, Assemblyman John Lemondes and state Sen. Rachel May.听
The city began exploring a hotel tax after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed bills聽in 2023 allowing the town and village of Skaneateles, along with the village of Weedsport, to charge occupancy taxes.听
In December 2023, the city Council agreed to send letters to Lemondes, R-LaFayette, and May, D-Syracuse, asking them to support the local request. May quickly introduced the bill in the state Senate, but Lemondes did not sponsor it in the Assembly.听
It was a setback for Auburn because without Lemondes' support, the bill would not advance. Getting another Assembly member to introduce the legislation wasn't an option because legislators typically don't interfere with their colleagues on home rule requests.听
The proposed tax would be up to 5% for hotel stays and short-term rentals. It would be in addition to the existing 5% county occupancy tax.听
If the city is allowed to institute the tax, it will generate $500,000 in annual revenue. The extra money will support city services and infrastructure projects.听
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
