GOSHEN – After rejecting a sales tax cap on gasoline sales of over $3 weeks ago, the Orange County Legislature on Thursday night vote to enact the cap on sales over $2.
Most other counties in the region approve $3 caps months ago.
In Goshen, by a 13 to 5 vote, Orange County lawmakers approved the cap above $2 despite municipal leaders including Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano and Wallkill Town Supervisor Frank DenDanto opposing it, saying in written correspondence that their local governments would take a financial hit.
Legislative Democratic Caucus Leader Genesis Ramos told her colleagues during the session that the $2 cap will benefit motorists who need it most.
“When I think of who this can impact the most, and certainly, this is meant to impact everyone, we have individuals throughout this county that are gig workers, are DoorDash drivers, that are cab drivers, that own landscaping companies and contracting companies, that are filling up their tanks multiple times a week, that are commuting to work on a daily basis, and would benefit the most from this,” she said.
Because of the higher gas prices as a result of inflation and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, sales tax revenues are up now. Legislator Stephen Hunter, who also supports the $2 cap, argued county sales tax revenues are up by some $10 million.
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