Harrison to Renew Push For Local Hotel Tax

Hoping to open a new revenue stream in 2012, the Town/Village of Harrison is once again supporting a bill that would add a 3 percent occupancy tax for stays at local hotels.

The proposed tax, which has been considered by the State Senate and Assembly in each of the last two years—but never gained traction—would bring anywhere from $200,000 to $400,000 in additional revenue to Harrison, according to town estimates.

Until two years ago, only cities in New York State had been allowed to collect on the 3 percent hotel tax. But in 2010 the state allowed the Village of Rye Brook to impose the tax, opening the door for other villages to apply. Harrison has , but has never received approval.

The Harrison Town Board is expected to approve a Home Rule message supporting the bill for a third time at this week's public meeting. The approval will send the bill to the state level for consideration.

"It would be a nice addition to our tax base," said Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont. "They did it for Rye Brook, cities can charge a hotel tax, but we can't, which is kind of silly."

But lawmakers at the state level have taken a hard stand against new taxes over the last two years, said Assemblyman Robert Castelli (R-C), who represents Harrison. Given the new attitude in both the Assembly and Senate, Castelli said the bill is once again a longshot.

"I understand Harrison's position," Castelli said. "The problem is this has a long history of not passing."

The bill would allow the village to levy the tax at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel on West Red Oak Lane in West Harrison, the Summerfield Suites off of Westchester Avenue and the Westchester Country Club. Representatives from these hotels did not return calls seeking comment.

Harrison, like many surrounding communities, could use the boost in revenue. While the town/village's tax rate increase has gone down in each of the last two years, it has come at a cost. The town has weathered across-the-board cuts in almost every department and additional funding could help restore some lost programs.

The tax burden would also be placed mostly on out-of-town visitors, another reason why it has gained so much support on the local level.

"It would not really hurt the residents of Harrison," said Belmont. "For the most part our hotels on Westchester Avenue are people who are short-stay visitors."

George Latimer (D) is sponsoring the bill in the Assembly. Suzi Oppenheimer (D) has sponsored the bill in the Senate each of the last two years.