Committee approves $276,758 mortgage‑tax expense retention for county administration
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Summary
The committee approved a resolution to increase mortgage‑tax expense retention to $276,758 under Tax Law §262 to cover the county clerk’s administrative costs; members discussed distribution effects for towns, CDTA and state but voted to pass the resolution by voice vote.
The Warren County committee voted to approve a mortgage‑tax expense retention amount of $276,758 to reimburse the county for administration costs associated with collecting mortgage tax under Tax Law §262.
County Clerk staff said the change reflects a calculation that includes indirect costs not previously applied, producing a net administrative retention larger than last year. Officials explained the retention does not change mortgage‑tax rates; it reallocates the expense‑reimbursement portion so that a larger share remains with the county clerk’s office rather than flowing immediately to the state, CDTA and municipalities. The clerk’s office provided schedule A and said the calculation follows a template used by county clerks statewide.
Supervisors asked which jurisdictions or taxpayers ultimately bear the cost and whether the change functions like a tax. Staff and legal counsel clarified it is a retention of reimbursement (not a new levy) and noted statewide statutory authority permits counties to retain administrative expense amounts when they provide the service.
After discussion the committee put the resolution to a voice vote and approved it. The action will be forwarded per the usual legislative process.