MONTICELLO, NY — At the March 19 Executive Committee meeting, chairman Rob Doherty proposed eliminating the four-percent energy tax that has been in place since last year. 

Assuming, of course, that “everything pans out” with the annual audit of the county’s finances.

The tax would be removed as of Wednesday, September 1, marking a year of existence. 

It was imposed to help the county cope with expected reduced revenues due to the pandemic, which would have included a major cut in state aid. It imposed tax on residential energy bills as well as commercial. 

It was estimated to raise an additional $2.5 million annually and was intended to stay in place until February 2023.

But the projected lost revenues didn’t all materialize. By year’s end, “We did pretty well,” Doherty said. 

Sales tax figures are up and even room tax was not hit as badly as feared. 

“Remember, if this had been a property tax, this would have never gone away, never been repealed,” he added.

Legislator Nadia Rajsz added her support for the proposal.

Once the audit is complete—and assuming it’s as positive as the county thinks it will be—the repeal will be officially proposed.