Chludzinski Calls on Governor to Sign Cheektowaga Occupancy Tax Bill
Assemblymember cites town finances, proposed tax increases as need for immediate action.
(Cheektowaga, NY) - 143rd District State Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski (R,C, Cheektowaga) today called on Governor Kathy Hochul to immediately sign into law a bi-partisan bill he sponsored in concert with State Senator April Baskin authorizing a 3% occupancy tax for the Town of Cheektowaga.In a letter to the Governor, the lawmaker cited recent stress on town finances and the Town Supervisor’s proposed 7.6 % increase in the town tax levy for next year as reasons why prompt action was necessary.
“In recent years the town has taken on additional debt, reduced reserve funds to pay for operating expenses, and raised taxes on seniors and middle-class families struggling to make ends meet,” said Chludzinski.“Approximately a quarter of a million dollars in potential revenue has been lost while we wait for this occupancy tax to become law, and additional delays only worsen the affordability crisis for Cheektowaga taxpayers.Residents need the relief this occupancy tax will provide immediately,” he added.
There are seventeen hotels in Cheektowaga, and the town is home to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and a major retail and entertainment attraction in the Walden Galleria Mall.Based on the substantial impact these hotels have on Erie County’s annual occupancy tax revenue, conservative projections estimate Cheektowaga’s could generate well over $1 million annually.In addition to the significant impact on town finances, Chludzinski said he agreed to introduce the legislation after being requested to do so by Councilman Tony Filipski because it would be supported primarily by people outside of the town, region, and State of New York.
“I applaud Councilman Filipski for identifying innovative ways to ensure the delivery of town services while protecting overburdened local property taxpayers,” said Chludzinski.“The ability to generate potential revenue in the existing fiscal year will be welcomed, but the greatest benefit of signing this new occupancy tax into law will be the impact it will have on the town’s current budget deliberations.The sooner the Governor signs this bill into law, the sooner town officials can use its proceeds to provide relief to Cheektowaga taxpayers in next year’s town budget,” the Assemblyman concluded.