Monticello, NY – In consultation with the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA), Sullivan County Manager Joshua Potosek has issued an Executive Order to temporarily halt the collection of the bulk of room taxes.
A tax of 5% per that night’s room rate is levied on all lodging rentals in Sullivan County, but under this Order, the collection of 85% of that tax will be suspended for the next month, until April 16. That 85% goes to the SCVA, while the remaining 15% is remitted to the County for administrative costs.
“Our lodging establishments are dealing with an extraordinary loss of their entire business, and it’s unfair to expect them to continue paying taxes on rooms they no longer can rent out,” Potosek explained.
“My office collects these taxes, so I worked closely with the County Manager and County Attorney to help out our hard-hit hospitality industry,” commented County Treasurer Nancy Buck. “I agree that this is prudent and beneficial at this time.”
“On behalf of its membership and the entire local tourism industry, the SCVA thanks the County for taking this step,” said Foster Supply Hospitality owner Sims Foster, chairman of the SCVA Board and a hotelier himself. “Our industry is one of the pillars of Sullivan County’s economy, and this will enable us to remain so as we see our way clear of this sudden calamity.”
“Our Sullivan Catskills businesses employ thousands of County residents and contributed $34.6 million in local taxes to our economy this past year,” added SCVA President/CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood. “But we rely on something that right now is not prudent for people to do: come visit. We look forward to returning to the travel marketplace and welcoming everyone back to our Sullivan Catskills as soon as safely possible, but until that time, our many lodging businesses appreciate having extra time to remit their room taxes.”
“This measure provides immediate relief to our businesses, without burdening our taxpayers,” said Legislature Chairman Robert A. Doherty. “We won’t lose revenue by delaying tax payments, and our hotels, motels and B&Bs will have a fighting chance to recover from this situation."
For questions or more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 845-807-0210.
EMERGENCY ORDER
A Local Emergency Order for the County of Sullivan:
I, Joshua Potosek, the Chief Executive of the County of Sullivan, in accordance with a declaration of a State of Emergency issued on March 13, 2020, and pursuant to
Executive Law Section 24(b) and (c), until further notice:
- The County hereby amends the Sullivan County Hotel and Motel Room Occupancy Tax Law to allow for a temporary postponement in room tax payments required by lodging facilities as defined in the law. Lodging facilities are required to remit 15% of the amount owed under the same terms and conditions in accordance with the Sullivan County Hotel and Motel Room Occupancy Tax Law. Lodging facilities have until April 16th, 2020 to remit 85% of the amount due to the County. The 85% owed will be interest and penalty free if paid by April 16, 2020. Payments received after April 16, 2020 will accrue interest and penalties in accordance with the Sullivan County Hotel and Motel Room Occupancy Tax Law Required reporting to the Sullivan County Treasurer is required under in accordance with the Sullivan County Hotel and Motel Room Occupancy Tax Law
This order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for five (5) days unless rescinded earlier by order of the Chief Executive. This order may also be renewed in (5) five-day increments.
Failure to obey this order is a criminal offense, punishable by law under New York State Executive Law Section 24(5).
Signed this the 17th day of March, 2020, at 5:00 o’clock, in, County of Sullivan, New York.