Saratoga Springs council adopts 'wrap tax' ordinance to fund cultural and recreational facilities

The Saratoga Springs City Council on Dec. 10, 2024, unanimously approved Ordinance 2450, adopting a citywide sales and use "wrap tax" intended to fund cultural, recreational, botanical and zoological facilities and organizations in the city.

City Finance Director Kevin Thurman told the council that adopting the resolution at the meeting is the last local step before the city forwards the measure to the Lieutenant Governor's office and the state Tax Commission for implementation. "In order for our wrap tax to take full effect we need to adopt the resolution that is before you tonight," Thurman said. "We will then present that to the Lieutenant Governor's office and the tax commission and they will then begin to implement our wrap tax 90 days after we get this turned into them."

Councilman Wadman moved to approve the ordinance; Councilman Karn seconded. Council members Barton, Wadman and Karn voted "aye," and the motion passed unanimously. The council and staff noted a clerical correction to the ordinance number during the discussion: an earlier reference to "2550" was corrected to Ordinance 2450.

The council's action implements a measure the transcript describes as having been "approved by the residents." After the meeting, staff said they will transmit the adopted ordinance and required paperwork to the Lieutenant Governor's office and the state Tax Commission; the city expects the tax to be implemented 90 days after that submission, per city staff.

The meeting included brief remarks from staff confirming who was present at the anchor location and a short procedural exchange leading to the vote. The city adjourned the meeting immediately after the action.