WPCNR ALBANY ROUNDS. From Assemblyman Adam Bradley’s Office. (Edited) March 18, 2008: Assemblyman Adam Bradley (D-White Plains) announced the Assembly passed legislation today (A.9679), authorizing the city of White Plains to add a one-quarter percent sales tax that will help curb additional property tax hikes. The legislation was advanced after the Assemblyman convinced city officials to keep the increase to only one quarter, instead of one half percent.
Bradley said the quarter per cent sales tax increase still had to be passed by the State Senate, but did not know when this would happen. He said “I expect they will pass it as soon as possible.”
Bradley added that the hotel tax measure possibly would be passed in May. Both the sales tax and hotel tax measures are being considered separate from the state budget.
“This legislation will help mitigate city property taxes by shifting more of the burden to the non-resident weekday population of more than 250,000 – individuals who benefit from important public services like police, fire protection and sanitation,” Bradley said.
Bradley pointed out that White Plains:
• Will continue to have the lowest sales tax rate of all major cities in Westchester County1;
• Is ranked fifth in the state’s annual sales volume;
• Records more than $1.3 billion in annual retail sales; and
• Is the center of Westchester County’s retail activity. 2
“This minimal sales tax increase will go a long way towards helping alleviate high property tax increases on White Plains families, yet it ensures that White Plains maintains a competitive advantage over comparable communities in Westchester by maintaining a lower sales tax rate,” Bradley said.
The quarter per cent is expected to yield $6 Million in new revenues to the city for the 2008-2009 city budget, due at the end of the month.
