Assemblyman John Lemondes (R,C-LaFayette) is standing in opposition to the proposed hotel occupancy tax in the city of Auburn. Earlier this year, Auburn’s City Council asked for the state’s permission to institute a tax of up to 5% on hotel and short-term rental stays. Cayuga County currently has its own hotel occupancy tax which is also set at 5%. In March, Lemondes met with constituents to gauge public support for the initiative. Several concerns arose from residents and local business owners who were worried about the potential impact this tax would have on the tourism industry and the affordability of the region. For these reasons, Lemondes is now advocating that the state not authorize the proposed tax in order to lower costs for consumers.

“After meeting with numerous constituents and Auburn residents, I do not believe the state should authorize this tax,” said Lemondes. “The last thing we want to do is increase costs for visitors, which will, in turn, decrease revenue for vital industries such as tourism. Cayuga County already has its own hotel occupancy tax, which Auburn should be able to have a share in. I will continue to work with state and local officials to make sure localities have the funds they need but we must be conscious of consumers and the impact another tax will have on local businesses.”