County To Discuss Mortgage Tax Increase

By Dennis Phillips, dphillips@post-journal.com
MAYVILLE — It looks as though the .25 percent raise on the county’s mortgage tax passed three years ago will continue for another three years.

Next week, the county’s Administrative Services Committee will discuss a local law to continue the additional mortgage tax, which brings in more than $200,000 in extra revenue for the county. The increase was originally passed three years ago to help pay for the renovations on the county court and jail facilities. Keith Ahlstrom, D-Dunkirk and chairman, said the additional revenue will still be used to pay off the work done to the two county buildings.

‘‘What we are looking at is the court and jail’s long-term debt to generate money to go toward debt services,’’ he said.

Even though it was a heavily debated subject when the increase was first enacted three years ago, Ahlstrom said he expects the County Legislature will pass the proposal again.

‘‘As long as it’s implemented and we’re receiving the revenue, I expect it to pass. I would hope the legislature would not be looking to reduce revenue lines,’’ he said.

The original proposal was passed into law by the legislature in August 2005 by a 13 to 12 vote. Half of the money generated by the tax goes to the state with the county and local municipalities splitting the rest evenly.

If the proposal is passed again, county residents who purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage will continue to pay 1.25 percent.