Erie County, N.Y. -- Erie County Legislature Republicans floated a proposal to the Legislature today that would alter a 1965 measure that levies a sales tax on the purchase of residential home heating fuels. If approved by the full legislature, the resolution would eliminate a 4.75% sales tax on the purchase of home heating fuels just in time for what industry analysts predict will be the most expensive year to heat your homes.
Legislators began exploring the issue after a constituent reached out with concerns surrounding the cost of oil to heat their home. Members of the Minority Caucus are currently exploring the idea of expanding their resolution to include exempting the sales tax on natural gas.
Legislator Lorigo said, “Energy costs have skyrocketed and the price of heating your home is going to rise significantly. It’s especially concerning when inflation is the highest it’s been in years. As legislators, we need to look for ways to ease the burden on Erie County taxpayers. Eliminating the tax on home heating fuels is a good place to start, and we would also like to repeal the sales tax on natural gas. This is an issue that impacts individuals and families in every community across the County. I hope my colleagues will agree we should work in a bipartisan effort to pass this proposal and provide some relief for the people we are elected to serve.”
Legislator Greene said, “As one of the few counties in New York State still taxing heating oil, we can’t sit back and watch while the prices go through the roof. By submitting this proposal, we are taking a proactive approach to addressing some of the highest anticipated home heating costs in years.”
Legislator Todaro said, “The focus in Erie County government should be on providing relief to taxpayers. Inflation is the highest it has been in decades and families everywhere are struggling. Now, the weather is getting colder and it’s going to cost more just to heat your home. This is the time to look at eliminating the tax on home heating fuels and natural gas.”
Legislator Mills said, “Many homeowners are scrambling to save on their energy bills with home heating costs expected to be significantly more than they were last year. The proposal would eliminate the 4.75% sales tax on home heating oil in order to provide some relief, and we are also exploring eliminating the tax on natural gas. Heat is a necessity here in Buffalo, so it is important for us to move quickly on this proposal.”
Legislators will push for a vote on the proposal at the next session of the Legislature Thursday, October 6 at 12 p.m.
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