CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. -- The future of a potential sales tax increase for Chautauqua County is now in the state legislature's hands.
The county legislature voted Wednesday to support pending state legislation that would authorize the county to increase the sales tax from 7.5 to 8 percent, but there are provisions in the legislation that must be met.
The county must keep the residential energy exemption and continue current revenue sharing to the towns, villages and cities, and the next two budgets must reduce real property taxes by at least 3 percent.
State Assemblyman Andrew Goodell said he supports the legislation because it will bring property tax relief to farmers, manufacturers and senior citizens.
State officials expect to vote on the legislation within the next three weeks.