Delaware County (DC) Board of Supervisors passed resolution #115 on June 28th 2023. This resolution “Occupancy Tax Disbursement Approval Department Of Economic Development,” authorizes a portion of the Hotel Occupancy Tax for 2023, slated for the promotion and development of the tourism industry, to be given to short term rentals (STRs)(registered and operating for 3 years), to fund remodeling or renovation.
“...Homeowners and long-term rentals cannot afford to compete with out-of-county money available to the investors. Helping short term rentals come into compliance does not help the others in our towns who are already established as homeowners, nor does it help towns recover...lost money spent on code 18 enforcement.” Supervisor Taggart.
The DC Board of Supervisors are trying to increase business. However, should taxes be allocated for renovations for special interest investors/businesses? The price for housing will continue to increase making it difficult to have a non-STR home, have children who grow up in DC and attend our schools, or keep generational families in Delaware County.
Will Delaware County turn into only a tourism destination owned by mostly absentee entrepreneurs?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjXzp5sgM6A
Go to 1:17 minutes to watch DC Board of Supervisors’ discussion on resolution 115 on June 28, 2023.
If you are concerned about resolution 115, using the Hotel Occupancy Tax dollars for STRs to remodel or renovate, contact your town supervisor, the DC Board of Supervisors 607-832-5110, and write a letter to The Reporter.
Reneé Barchitta
Roxbury
