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Cayuga County lawmakers discuss short-term rental registry, room tax revenue at Ways and Means meeting
Summary
Legislators heard a treasurer report showing room tax receipts up about 7% and discussed a proposed statewide short-term rental registry and its local revenue and administrative implications.
At a Ways and Means Committee meeting of the Cayuga County Legislature, committee members and county staff discussed recent room tax receipts and the potential local impacts of a proposed New York State short-term rental registry.
The treasurer reported that room tax revenue is up about 7% year over year but reminded legislators that the county receives only a 5% administrative share of those receipts under local law. "Keep in mind, we only get 5 percent of those monies," the treasurer said. Committee members asked for a later reconciliation of amounts sent to the tourism office; the treasurer said she would work with staff to provide actual figures.
Members also discussed proposed state legislation creating a registry for vacation rental properties. The discussion focused on two practical points: whether counties could charge extra administrative fees for keeping a registry, and where any additional receipts would need to be directed. One committee member said the county can charge administrative fees for keeping the registry under a chapter amendment but cautioned, "it's not gonna be a lot of money. And most of it still will go to, the tourism models," echoing a staff explanation that New York State law limits how registry-related revenues can be allocated. Another member said the county could see increased sales tax revenue if a registry expands taxable activity but added that multiple operational "hoops" would need to be addressed first.
Committee members said staff — including county attorneys and treasurer's office personnel — will meet to examine the proposed registry's provisions, opt‑out implications, and administrative workload before any formal recommendation. The treasurer said further detail will be provided at a later meeting.
Ending: Legislators asked for follow-up reporting on the tourism transfers and research on registry options; staff indicated they will convene a smaller working group and return with more specifics.
