NORWICH – With a proposed measure recently passed by both houses of the state legislature, Chenango County lawmakers are one step closer to imposing an additional tax on hotel rooms across the county.

Members of the County Board of Supervisors contentiously adopted a resolution in February requesting New York State approval of home rule legislation that would enact the local tax. If signed by the governor, the proposal would mandate a fee of up to 4 percent on hotel, motel and bed and breakfast rooms county-wide.

Supporters say money collected from the labeled “bed tax” may provide some relief to property taxpayers, and having it gleaned from out-of-towners would pay most – if not all – fees that the county currently pays to Commerce Chenango to promote local tourism.

According to the Chenango County Treasurer's Office, average costs of hotel and motel rooms is roughly $70 per night (potentially higher depending on time of year and events happening), which means the county could muster an additional $125,000 annually.