The Ulster County Legislature passed a resolution at the June 13, 2002 Session which would increase sales tax from 7.75% to 8% in 2003. This resolution passed by a vote of 22-10. It is estimated that this tax increase will generate an additional $4.6 million in 2003. This increase in sales tax is necessary to prevent any increase in property tax. The Legislature had to suspend the rules to vote on this resolution last night due to the fact that the tax hike must be approved by the State Legislature, which is going out of session in the next week or two, after which the county cannot change the sales tax until next year. The Legislature is supposed to meet again next week for another vote.

In other action, the Legislature voted on and passed a resolution authorizing the issuance of $1,990,000 in serial bonds to repair and reconstruct the roof at the Golden Hill Health Care Facility in the City of Kingston.

The Legislature made five re-appointments at last night’s Session. William Darwak was re-appointed as County Administrator, and Arthur J. Smith III and Sheldon Quimby were re-appointed as Deputy County Administrators. Legislators on both sides of the aisle praised the work of the administrator and deputies as all three individual appointments go to June 30, 2004. 

Also re-appointed last night by unanimous vote were Commissioners of Election Thomas F. Turco and Harry M. Castiglione. Both received praise on their job performance by Legislators.

There was one presentation on last night’s agenda. This was a Pride of Ulster County presented to Alison Quinn McConekey, Miss Ulster County 2002, by Legislature Chairman Ward Todd and City of Kingston Legislators Frank Dart, Dave Donaldson and Jeanette Provenzano. Alison is the daughter of former Ulster County Legislator Sue McConekey.