Action on Ulster County Fair Taxes Act delayed, public comment still welcome

HVNY News + Notes

Jun 15

Written By HVNY

Ulster County is proposing an additional tax on second homeowners “intended to reduce reliance on property and sales taxes to fund essential services,” according to County Executive Jen Metzger.

If passed by county and state lawmakers, the “Ulster County for Fair Taxes Act” would apply an income tax surcharge to taxable income earned above a threshold of $400,000 for couples and $200,000 for individuals; A surcharge of 16.75-percent would be applied to additional income over that threshold. According to the county executive, only about 1 in 42 households across the county would make enough taxable income for the extra surcharge.

Last week, county legislators in the Ways & Means Committee delayed any action on the bill in order for further review and public input. As such, the resolution won’t be on this week’s agenda, but the public is still invited to comment on the measure during the open comment period of the the regular Ulster County Legislative Session on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 7:15pm, Ulster County Office Building, Legislative Chambers, 244 Fair St, Kingston.

“This Home Rule request was introduced with the expectation of action during the 2026 State Legislative session. With that session now adjourned, there is no longer an immediate deadline requiring county action,” said Legislator Jeff Collins, Chair of the Ways & Means Committee and Sponsor of the Resolution. “Despite only 2.4-percent of adults in Ulster County being affected by this Act, adding a new tax on any of our constituents, should be a thoughtful, deliberative process. Taking additional time now will allow legislators and residents to evaluate the proposal and continue a thoughtful discussion before any decision is made.”

The resolution will next appear on the Agenda of the Ways & Means Committee meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Full text of Resolution No. 295 can be found here. Visit ulstercountyny.gov/Fair-Taxes-Act to learn more.

Verdict expected in town highway superintendent’s hidden camera trial

A verdict in the trial of the Pleasant Valley Highway Superintendent accused of secretly filming his secretary is expected on Monday. John Baxter’s defense said the hidden camera placed by Baxter under his secretary’s desk, pointing at her crotch area, was instead intended to record activities at a filing cabinet located behind the secretary.

Following an investigation, photos taken from under the secretary’s desk were recovered from Baxter’s phone after he had initially tried to delete them. It was also revealed Baxter had sent inappropriate text messages to the secretary, including remarks that she had “such a great butt.”

Baxter was arrested in August of 2025 and charged with unlawful surveillance, a felony, after town officials alerted authorities of the hidden camera. Baxter is currently on a voluntary leave of absence from his elected position with the town, with an annual salary of $79,655 for 2026.

While a foreman is currently in charge of the highway department, according to reports, Baxter’s information is still listed as the point of contact on the town’s website. A verdict is expected at 2pm today.

A homecoming landing for Knicks’ kings

The Knicks flew into Westchester County on Sunday morning with a proper water salute after winning the 2026 NBA Championships for the first time in 53 years. Go Knicks!