Latimer optimistic as Cuomo mulls Westchester's sale tax increase plan

Latimer optimistic as Cuomo mulls Westchester's sale tax increase plan

Westchester County officials are waiting to see if Gov. Andrew Cuomo will sign off on their plan to increase the county's sales tax by 1%.
A 1% increase, or a penny-on-the-dollar, would bring the county's tax rate to 8.375% and bring it in line with cities like Mount Vernon and New Rochelle.
It would still be lower than the 8.875% charged in Yonkers and New York City.
In just the second half of this year alone, county officials say it would generate almost $50 million. Westchester County Executive George Latimer believes it could help put the cash-strapped county on firm financial footing.
Peekskill and Rye shoppers would be impacted by a sales tax increase, but the county says it would share in some of the revenue.
There was no word on when or if the governor will greenlight the measure.
County Executive Latimer told News 12 that he remains optimistic and is satisfied while the matter goes through the right process in Albany.