From the County Legislature
The Sales Tax Dilemma Of Tioga County
Marty L. Borko
Chair, Tioga County Legislature

 Tioga County is located among three metro communities in three adjacent counties: Ithaca, Tompkins County to our north; Elmira, Chemung County to our West; and Binghamton, Broome County to our east. Each of these three counties has well recognized retail sites, which our residents utilize. This means that Tioga County residents are paying sales taxes that are ending up supporting our neighboring counties.

 Tioga County receives 4% of the sales taxes generated in Tioga County. Some of it is allocated to capital projects and some is allocated to the general fund. Tioga County distributes 1% of its municipalities based on population.

 An example of how the distribution works, the Town of Owego received $1,245,179 in 2003. Owego has a population of approximately 20,000 residents. In Broome County the Town of Vestal received $4,378,625 as its share of sales tax for its population of 26,500 residents. Broome County distributes a little less than 1 1/2% to its towns. What it means is that for each resident in the Town of Owego the 1% in sales tax reduces that person's property tax by $62 whereas in the Town of Vestal each 1% reduces that person's property tax by $109.

 The example should clearly illustrate why Tioga County has to work on it opportunities to bring in retail and good jobs. We must continue to work on improving our work force while maintaining our excellent educational systems and quality rural communities for raising one's family.