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Bill

S 9314

Authorizes an occupancy tax in the village of Orchard Park, in Erie county

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Gallivan

New York bill grants Orchard Park village authority to impose occupancy tax on lodging to generate local revenue from visitors.

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · S 9314

Legislative bill overview

S 9314 authorizes the Village of Orchard Park in Erie County, New York to implement an occupancy tax on lodging accommodations. This local tax would apply to hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and similar short-term rental properties within village boundaries. The bill grants the village legislative authority to establish the tax rate and collection mechanisms.

Why is this important

Occupancy taxes are a common revenue source for municipalities, generating funds for local services, infrastructure, and often tourism promotion without burdening year-round residents through property or sales taxes. For Orchard Park, this creates a new funding stream while shifting some tax burden to visitors and transient guests.

Potential points of contention

  • Competitiveness concerns: Hotels and lodging businesses may argue the tax makes them less competitive compared to unincorporated areas or neighboring municipalities without similar levies
  • Tax rate uncertainty: The bill grants broad authority without specifying a cap on the tax rate, potentially allowing rates that discourage tourism or hospitality investment
  • Impact on short-term rentals: Unclear whether the tax applies equally to platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, raising fairness questions between traditional hotels and home-sharing operators

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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