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Village adopts resolution opposing town's home‑rule occupancy tax request; seeks binding revenue sharing if law passes
Summary
Trustees voted to oppose a March town resolution that asked the state for authorization to impose an occupancy (lodging) tax in the town. The village's resolution asks the state not to grant the request and, if it does, demands a binding municipal agreement that allocates a substantial portion of revenue to the village.
The Village Board on June 10 approved a resolution opposing the Town of Rhinebeck’s March request to the state legislature for home‑rule authority to impose a local occupancy (lodging) tax of up to 3 percent.
Trustees said the town did not consult the village before advancing the home‑rule petition, and that village officials were surprised by the request given earlier statements from the town about fiscal strength. In remarks on the floor, Lydia (board member) summarized the village analysis showing the local economy’s heavy reliance on visitor spending and flagged concerns that raising lodging prices could alter visitor behavior.
The resolution opposes the town’s request but includes a fallback demand: if the legislature grants the town the authority to levy an occupancy tax, the village requests that the town be required by a binding municipal agreement to allocate a substantial portion of any new occupancy‑tax revenue to the village to fund tourism‑related infrastructure and services the village provides.
Board members discussed county lodging tax context (Dutchess County recently raised its bed tax from 4 to 5 percent) and compared local rates with other municipalities. Trustees noted county and tourism office data showing that overnight visitors typically spend more locally than day trippers. One trustee said the village will continue to press for a negotiated agreement — not a reliance on informal pledges — so that funds follow the places that incur the service and infrastructure burdens.
The board voted in favor of the resolution (ayes recorded; one member opposed). The resolution will be transmitted to the town and to the appropriate state legislators.
