Ulster County committee rejects study to phase out property tax, 5–3

The Ulster County Ways and Means Committee on April 16 voted down a proposed task force to study a real‑property tax phase‑out, concluding the plan lacked a realistic scope and timeline.

Supporters, led by the legislator who introduced the resolution, said they were responding to mounting affordability pressures and pointed to data showing an influx of higher‑income households and the strain on long‑term residents. “Bringing together a community task force at no expense to our taxpayers with expert and equitable leaders from housing, economic development, municipalities and tourism would let us examine potential paths forward,” the sponsor said.

Opponents said the resolution as written did not set clear professional qualifications for members or a feasible timetable. One member argued the task force would be asked to analyze replacing roughly $75 million in annual county revenue in only months and that the county’s authority to replace that revenue is limited by state law. “To constitute a task force, convene it, develop a work plan and produce a credible written report by Dec. 31 is not feasible,” the member said, noting property tax represents about 15% of county revenue.

County staff and other legislators urged a thoughtful review of county finances but said that work belongs in the regular budget process with clear technical expertise guiding the analysis. After roughly an hour of discussion the committee held a roll‑call vote; the resolution failed by a margin of 5 votes to 3.

Next steps: The sponsor said they intend to continue the conversation in future sessions; staff and legislators asked for any future proposal to include a defined membership, explicit qualifications and a realistic timeline.