Rensselaer County Legislature Urges Passage Of Bill To Continue 8% Sales Tax In The County
By Doug La Rocque
Democrats and Republicans in the County Legislature joined together at their recent meeting to unanimously approve legislation that supports a bill currently before both the State Senate and Assembly that would allow the county to collect the additional one percent sales and compensating use tax through November of 2019. [private]Counties are currently allowed to collect a three percent tax on top of the state’s four percent, but need the State Legislature’s approval for that additional one percent. Albany and Schenectady counties also have an 8% overall sales tax rate, while Saratoga County’s rate stands at 7 percent. The bill approved by the County Legislature states that after conferring with city, town and village officials, it is apparent that failure to extend the additional one percent tax would cause loss of revenue that would be devastating throughout the County. The State Legislature routinely approves such extensions.
Recognizing Lester Goodermote And The North Hoosick Fire Department
In its very first piece of business, the Legislature formally recognized former 5th District lawmaker Lester Goodermote for his long years of service not only to the County but to the Town of Hoosick and the Village of Hoosick Falls, both of which he served as a justice. Goodermote was also active in many community organizations, and currently owns a tax preparation service as well as the Potter Hill Barn, a popular gift shop on Route 7 in Hoosick. The three-term legislator stepped down from his position in March due to declining health, and was replaced by Jeff Wysocki, also of Hoosick.
The North Hoosick Fire Company was formed in 1947 with an organizational meeting and agreement to purchase its first fire truck, delivered in June of 1948. A new fire house was built in 1966, with an addition put on to house the growing organization in 1996. The County Legislature, during its April meeting, passed a resolution that commends the Department on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, praising the volunteers for their dedication to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of their community.
In other resolutions of note, the legislature passed bills which recognized the week of May 6 as National Nurses week, the month of May as Older Americans month, May 4 as a National Day of Prayer, and May 1 as Silver Star Banner Day. That legislation states that members of the Silver Star Families of America have worked tirelessly to provide wounded and ill members of the Armed Services of this County and Country with Silver Star Banners, Flags and care packages, and wishes the sacrifice of so many never be forgotten. [/private]