Medina tries again for state approval of 2% occupancy tax

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Hart Hotel is one of the lodging businesses in Medina. Hart Hotel includes five rooms and two lofts on the third floor of 113 West Center St.

MEDINA – The Medina Village Board is trying again to get state support for a 2 percent occupancy tax for room rentals in the village.

Medina first tried to have the tax imposed in 2018 but it has stalled in the State Legislature.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley agreed to introduce legislation in the Assembly. The Village Board is asking State Sen. Rob Ortt to sponsor the legislation in the State Senate. Ortt has done that before but one of his staff members told the board he is reluctant to back bills that result in a tax increase.

Medina Mayor Mike Sidari said the occupancy tax is on visitors to the community, not local residents. It would provide much-needed revenue for the village to promote tourism and economic development, leading to more visitors to help local businesses, Sidari said.

He will see Ortt on Friday at the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Luncheon at the White Birch in Lyndonville. Sidari said he will urge Ortt to introduce the bill in the Senate.

The state legislation is needed to give Medina permission to impose a hotel/motel occupancy tax of 2 percent. Medina village officials say the funds will towards promoting tourism and economic development in the community.

Past legislation for the occupancy tax said it shall apply to any “tourist home, inn, club, hotel, motel or other similar place of public accommodation.” The owners of the properties, including Airbnbs, will be required to impose the tax. The village’s chief fiscal officer will then collect the tax.

The tax does not apply to people who are considered “permanent residents” of a hotel or motel, those staying at least 30 consecutive days.

Orleans County also imposes a 4 percent occupancy tax that generates about $100,000 a year and is used solely by the county for its tourism promotion efforts.

In its resolution on Wednesday seeking the occupancy tax, the Village Board said it seeks to use the funds to promote the Erie Canal, the historic downtown, agri-tourism and other attractions.