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MAYVILLE, NY (WNY News Now) – A push to raise Chautauqua County’s tax on hotel and other similar overnight stays has been shot down.
This week the Chautauqua County Legislature rejected County Executive PJ Wendel’s proposal to increase the occupancy tax from five to eight percent.
Wendel sought to use the additional income to help fund environmental efforts to improve waterways and lakes countywide.
Several local lodging-related business owners spoke out against increasing the tax, including Springs Lakeside Inn owner Rosary Stage.
“Our guests do know when our taxes increase,” explained Stage. “When they examine their bill at the end of their stay we get constant feedback about the amount of tax that has to be paid. When they compare the total bill to other vacation areas, we will become more uncompetitive and crossed off of future vacation lists.”
An amended resolution keeping the tax at five percent passed unanimously, a surprise to County Executive Wendel who wished lawmakers and residents alike would have reached out for clarification on the increase request.
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