KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) – The Ulster County Council approved Tuesday to allocate 25 percent of the annual lodging tax to the Housing Activities Fund and 25 percent to public transportation in a vote that passed 16-6 and was amended to allocate an additional 10 percent of the annual revenue to the Ulster County Tourism Bureau.
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The hotel tax will increase by 4% in 2023, the first increase since 1991. The 2024 budget reflects funding allocations to the transportation system and housing fund, with the remaining 50% going to the county’s general fund.
County officials said the funds will begin flowing at the end of the year. The tax will provide about $1.5 million a year for housing and transportation and $630,000 for the tourism bureau.
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Ulster County Council Chairman Peter Criswell said the lodging tax allocation is a step forward for the county to ensure sustainable housing, public transportation and tourism funding. “By dedicating a portion of our lodging tax revenues, we are investing in long-term stability and growth that will benefit our community for years to come,” he said.
County Mayor Jen Metzger said the allocation of funds is essential to the county’s prosperity and well-being. “Our workers need affordable housing and affordable transportation,” she said.
