KINGSTON – Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced that a sales tax agreement was unanimously approved on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. As part of the agreement between Ulster County and the City of Kingston, the towns in Ulster County will receive 4% of the sales tax collected in 2021 – a one-time disbursement of an additional 1% or $1.5 million.
“This is unprecedented in Ulster County, to share additional revenues with our towns, and really reflects our values – that when government entities work collaboratively, it better serves our residents,” Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan said. “Ulster County Town Supervisors have been vocal about wanting a larger share of the revenues, and we heard you.”
“This agreement keeps intact the City’s current share of the sales tax revenue, while also providing towns with additional funding to help meet each town’s unique financial needs,” Mayor Steve Noble said. “The City of Kingston uses sales tax revenue to support our work in rebuilding our infrastructure, combating the housing crisis, and improving essential services provided to City and County residents each day.”
“I’m thrilled that we were able to reach an agreement to provide an increased share of County sales tax to our municipalities,” Ulster County Chairwoman Tracey Bartels said. “We look to our partners in local government to utilize the increase in a way that benefits our shared constituents in the most meaningful way.”
“I am grateful that we are in the position to provide further support for our towns in Ulster County. This additional funding being provided to the towns will provide an opportunity for them to ease the burden on local taxpayers,” Ulster County Majority Leader Jonathan Heppner (D-Woodstock, Hurley) said. “I thank Executive Ryan, Mayor Noble and my colleagues in the Legislature and Common Council for coming together to get this done.”
“At a time of unprecedented sales tax revenues, I’m proud that we’re able to share these additional funds with the towns who do so much to support the residents of Ulster County,” Ulster County Minority Leader Ken Ronk said. “With the current economic challenges regarding inflation and increasing costs, I’m sure this comes at an opportune time for the municipalities.”
“Ulster County’s Town Supervisors and Mayors are pleased the contributions of local government are recognized with this groundbreaking agreement in support of the residents of Ulster County,” Town of Rochester Town Supervisor Mike Baden said. “The municipalities look forward to future collaborative endeavors with the County Executive and Legislature on behalf of our shared constituents.”
In 2021, Ulster County exceeded the 2020 Budget Amount and entered into discussions about sharing additional revenues with the towns. The agreement is subject to the approval of the City of Kingston’s Common Council.
The sales tax agreement between Ulster County and the City of Kingston shares 3% of sales tax with the towns for the period of March 1, 2021, through February 28, 2026.