City of Cortland Sets Public Hearing on Proposed Occupancy Tax

The City of Cortland Common Council has set a public hearing date of January 7th at 6pm regarding implementing an occupancy tax for hotels and motels within the City of Cortland. The hearing will take place prior to the Common Council meeting at City Hall.

The City of Cortland has been looking at once again implementing an occupancy tax for those staying in a hotel, motel, or B&B, or any other type of tourist rental. The last time the city had an occupancy tax was in September of last year; that tax expired and was subsequently repealed.

The occupancy tax law required it to go through the State Senate and Assembly before going to the Governor’s Desk for a signature. Mayor Scott Steve says the law was passed and signed by the governor. The city has a right to implement up to 3% of the per-diem rental rate for rooms. The city plans to implement a 1% occupancy tax.

Reasoning for implementing an occupancy tax is to provide additional revenues for the city that would go towards promoting tourism for the city. The Common Council is expected to vote on implementing the tax after the public hearing on January 7th.