Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced last week that he is partnering with the Legislature to enact a new plan that would cut county gas taxes temporarily by 50 percent.

Ryan will work with the Ulster County Legislature to cap the amount of county sales tax collected on each gallon of retail motor fuel to only $.08. The proposal, coming at a time of record fuel prices, will be considered at the Ulster County Legislature’s April session.

“We’re all feeling the pain at the pump, and I’ve spoken with countless residents who are struggling due to historic rises in gas prices and inflation. That is why we are taking urgent and aggressive action to provide direct relief to our residents at the pump,” Pat Ryan said. “We must do all that we can to help our residents during these unprecedented times. I look forward to partnering with the Ulster County Legislature to ensure that we can provide this much needed relief as quickly as possible.”

“I am proud to sponsor this resolution that will provide much needed relief for our residents paying higher prices at the gas pump,” Legislator Kevin Roberts said. “As a legislator, I believe we should do whatever we can to assist our residents during these turbulent economic times. I am also grateful for the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the County Executive for their support in this effort.”

“With projected sales tax collections coming in higher than anticipated, cutting taxes at the pump will allow our residents to keep money in their pockets,” Legislator Brian Cahill said. “With record rising gas prices, I’m proud that we can do our part to help the residents of Ulster County.”

If adopted in April, the law would take effect on June 1, 2022 and would expire on December 1, 2022. By law, local sales tax changes can only take effect on March, June, September or December 1 of any year.