Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) today announced the passage of legislation he sponsored to extend Putnam County’s 1 percent sales tax increase for an additional two years, while also requiring one-ninth of that revenue to be shared with the county’s towns and villages for the first time. The property tax relief bill will allow for the largest property tax cut in Putnam County history, while investing in critical infrastructure projects in Putnam County communities.

“I was honored to spearhead this effort alongside County Executive Byrne, Putnam County’s local leaders, and our state delegation,” said Assemblyman Slater. “This historic level of collaboration is proof that government can work, tackle the affordability crisis and make crucial investments in our communities while cutting property taxes. I am proud to deliver the type of results-driven leadership Putnam County residents expect and deserve.”

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said, “By entering into a historic compromise with our towns and villages to share a portion of sales tax revenue, we’ve paved the way for the largest property tax cut in Putnam County’s history. Our partners at the state level listened to the supervisors and mayors and town and village board members in passing this legislation. I thank Assemblyman Slater for his courage and hard work in helping usher through this first-of-its-kind sales-tax-sharing arrangement to deliver tax relief where it matters.”

Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jackie Annabi said, “Putnam Valley would like to thank Assemblyman Matt Slater for moving this bill forward. This is a major step forward in helping our overburdened taxpayers. We’re incredibly grateful to our state leaders for passing this legislation and for recognizing the historic collaboration of all nine town supervisors and village mayors, as well as the six highway superintendents, as we stood together to push for this long-overdue policy. Sharing sales tax revenue is about fairness and partnership, and this bill moves us in the right direction.”

Southeast Town Supervisor Nick Durante said, “I extend my gratitude to Matt Slater for his support in the extension, and sharing of sales tax. Collaborative efforts on matters of this significance are essential. Kevin Byrne along with our local senators and assembly members, are committed to making life more affordable in Putnam County. We are deeply appreciative of their dedication and fully support their endeavors as we collectively strive for a better future. This marks a promising beginning, everyone came together for Putnam.”

Patterson Town Supervisor Rich Williams said, “Once again Matt Slater delivers for the residents of Patterson. Sharing of sales tax was truly an historic agreement with all of the Towns, Villages and County working in unison. But without the support of Assemblyman Slater this would not have become a reality.”

Kent Town Supervisor Jaime McGlasson said, “Once again, Assemblyman Matt Slater has delivered meaningful results for the Town of Kent and all of Putnam County. By ensuring that a portion of the extended 1 percent sales tax is shared directly with towns and villages, he’s providing us with the tools to invest in long-overdue infrastructure improvements while offering real property tax relief to our residents. This is a historic step forward, and we’re grateful for his leadership and responsiveness to the needs of our community.”

Carmel Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari said, “Thank you, Assemblyman Slater, for your support of our shared sales tax plan. This important initiative will generate revenue that will be reinvested directly into our community by upgrading and repairing local infrastructure. These improvements will not only support small business growth but also help reduce the burden on property taxpayers. I'm grateful to County Executive Byrne and our other local government officials for their forward-thinking leadership in making this progress possible.”