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Chautauqua County adopts additional 0.25% mortgage tax after split vote
Summary
The legislature voted to continue a county 0.25% mortgage tax for general purposes. Debate centered on the tax's history as a revenue source for prior court and jail projects and on whether the levy is an appropriate ongoing revenue tool.
The Chautauqua County Legislature voted May 28 to adopt Local Law Introductory No. 3‑25, continuing an additional 0.25% county mortgage recording tax. The measure passed after debate and a roll call that the clerk recorded as 15 yes votes, 2 no votes and 2 members absent.
Proponents framed the levy as a historically targeted tool used to help pay county obligations tied to state‑mandated court and jail projects. Legislator Flint Larson recounted the law's origins, saying the mortgage tax first helped pay a 2005 bond issue tied to court and jail work and arguing the continuation is a pragmatic way to cover remaining bond obligations. "One of these is dedicated to courts and jail bonds that are still out there," Larson said.
Opponents objected to continuing the charge on principle. Legislator Steve Johnson said he would vote no, arguing the tax should remain in taxpayers' pockets. "Money is fungible," Johnson said. "I'll vote for the $250 to stay in the taxpayer's pocket."
County staff clarified how mortgage tax components are apportioned under state law. Steve Abdela explained the county's 1.25% total includes mandated shares to municipalities and a special portion that goes to a state mortgage agency; he said the quarter‑percent before the legislature was the portion up for renewal and that some portions are dedicated to courts and jail projects while the quarter up for renewal goes to the county general fund.
The local law was adopted by roll call. The meeting record shows the county clerk announced the result: "There are 15 yes votes, 2 no votes, and 2 members absent. The local law is adopted." No further implementation detail or bond authorization was included at the meeting.
