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Trustees press town for details after town resolution seeks new occupancy tax on short-term rentals
Summary
Trustees raised concerns about a Town of Rhinebeck resolution asking the state to authorize a 3% occupancy tax on hotels and short-term rentals. Board members said the village and local businesses were not consulted and asked for a prompt conversation with town leadership and state representatives.
Trustees at the Village of Rhinebeck meeting raised concerns about a town resolution urging the state legislature to authorize a 3% occupancy tax on hotels and short-term rentals and called for prompt information and a local discussion of the plan.
A board member said the town passed the resolution without consulting the village, businesses or short-term rental owners; trustees said they learned the resolution had already been sent to state officials and urged a timely village response. Village speakers said the town's resolution did not explain how the revenue would be used and expressed concern the levy could raise local lodging costs and affect small businesses that rely on tourism.
Trustees asked staff to investigate when the town resolution would reach the state and requested outreach to local state legislators. One trustee said Dutchess County Tourism warned that the proposed tax could harm tourism; others said they wanted to invite the town supervisor to explain the plan but were told the town supervisor was not yet willing to discuss the measure in open session. Several trustees said the village should quickly prepare a formal position or at least obtain more information before the state acts.
The board did not take a formal vote on the subject at the meeting but directed staff to gather facts and pursue timely conversations with town and state officials so the village can consider a response.
