We are currently undergoing maintenance on some services, which may temporarily affect access to subscription accounts and the Ë®¹ûÅÉAV. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to resolve the issues.
Thirty-nine counties outside New York City charge a vehicle use tax.Â
Beginning in 2026, Cayuga could be the 40th.
The Cayuga County Legislature is considering a proposal to institute the tax, which would be paid when owners register their vehicles every two years. The tax would be $10 for vehicles that weigh 3,500 pounds or less and $20 for vehicles weighing over 3,500 pounds.Â
A resolution introduced by Legislators Elane Daly and Brian Muldrow would set a public hearing for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 — the date of that month's Legislature meeting — on the proposed local law.Â
The proposed tax is the result of former Cayuga County Clerk Brian Scanlan's effort to prevent cuts to one of his departments, the county Department of Motor Vehicles. This year's budget slashes two cashier positions from the DMV.Â
Scanlan, who resigned Tuesday, worked with Muldrow, D-Auburn, to identify an alternative that would allow the DMV to keep the positions and increase revenue for the county.Â
According to the state Department of Motor Vehicles, 39 counties charge a vehicle use tax. In central New York, four of Cayuga's neighboring counties — Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego and Tompkins — have vehicle use taxes.
Most counties with vehicle use taxes charge $10 for vehicles weighing 3,500 pounds or less and $20 for vehicles over 3,500 pounds.
For Cayuga County, the funds from the tax would go into the general fund.
"It's a way to raise revenue for the county, which the county desperately needs," Muldrow told Ë®¹ûÅÉAV Wednesday.Â
It would also ensure the DMV's customer service isn't affected. One concern about the budget cuts is they would lead to longer wait times at the department.
Muldrow credited Scanlan for finding a solution that could help improve the county's fiscal situation, while protecting the DMV from budget cuts.Â
"I'm thankful that he actually gave us a pathway prior to leaving and worked very diligently and was determined to do that before he resigned," Muldrow said.Â
If the county Legislature approves the local law — a vote is expected this spring — it will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.Â
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
