KINGSTON – By a 14 to nine vote, the Ulster County Legislature voted Tuesday night to save a few cents per gallon of gas at the pump as prices continue to hover at the $4 mark.
Opponents like Democratic Legislator Manna Jo Greene said the world is facing “a climate emergency” and should move away from fossil fuels.
Others like Republican Ken Ronk said every penny helps and not everyone has access to mass transit as an alternative to driving to work.
Chairwoman Tracey Bartels, a Democrat, supported the tax reduction but has an idea on where to spend the estimated loss to the county.
“I propose that we dedicate the expected loss in revenue contemplated by the proposed gas tax cut to direct relief. At the current pump price of $4 per gallon, estimated, the estimated revenue is $3 million. I propose a split of spending in three sectors – public transportation, food security, and green energy,” she said.
Some lawmakers said gas station owners would pocket the extra few cents so the consumer would not see the reduction.
“I’m proud that Ulster County is meeting the urgency of the moment, providing desperately needed relief for our residents dealing with rising gas prices and record inflation,” County Executive Pat Ryan said after the legislative vote.
The new gas tax structure will sunset at the end of the year.
