Politics & Government
Westhampton Beach to Petition for MTA Payroll Tax Repeal
After Wednesday's court ruling, village is expected to vote at Sept. 6 meeting, hoping to become first municipality to petition for repeal.
On the heels of news that the on Wednesday, Weshampton Beachs Board of Trustees discussed becoming the first municipality to petition New York State's Mandate Relief Council to repeal the law.
Just days after the ruling was announced, it remains to be seen who is rushing to the front of the line, though trustees are expected to vote on Sept. 6 to petition the MRC.
Wednesday's ruling, despite calling the tax unconstitutional, did not come with an order to halt collections. The MTA has stated that it plans on appealing the ruling.
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"I think we should pave the way and move forward," said Trustee Patricia DiBenedetto at Wednesday evening's work session.
When adopted in 2009, the tax imposed a 34-cent tax for every $100 of payroll.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to budget records, the village paid nearly $18,000 for the tax in 2009-2010, over $14,000 in 2010-2011, and budgeted another $17,000 for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. The 2012-2013 fiscal year reserved $25,000 to pay the bill.
"Last year we paid about $13,000 for the tax which could be used to cover other expenses such as the cost for a new computer server or to upgrade the police department's radio system," said Rebecca Molinaro, the village clerk.
