AMHERST, NY — Lawmakers in the Town of Amherst are weighing a strategic proposal to implement a 2.5% bed tax on visitors staying in local hotels and short-term rentals. This fiscal measure, designed to generate significant municipal revenue, mirrors successful initiatives already established in neighboring Western New York hubs like Buffalo and Cheektowaga.
The Proposed Bed Tax: An Overview
The resolution currently under review by the town board would apply a 2.5% surcharge to guests utilizing traditional hotel accommodations as well as popular short-term rentals, such as those found on Airbnb and VRBO. According to Deputy Town Supervisor and Council Member Angela Marinucci, the tax is a matter of community equity.
Marinucci articulated that the goal is to ensure all visitors contribute to the infrastructure and investments Amherst provides. Whether a guest opts for a hotel or a residential rental, they utilize local services, making the equitable application of the tax a priority for local political leadership.
Financial Impact and Revenue Allocation
Town officials estimate the measure will generate between $2 million and $2.8 million annually. This new revenue stream is viewed as a vital tool for diversifying the town’s income and protecting residents from significant hikes in property taxes. By shifting a portion of the fiscal load to visitors, officials hope to maintain high-quality services without overtaxing the local community.
The proposed distribution of these funds is specifically structured to benefit both general operations and specialized community assets:
| Allocation | Percentage | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| General Municipal Fund | 75% | Supporting essential public services and infrastructure. |
| Youth Recreation Facilities | 25% | Enhancing assets like the Northtown Center at Amherst. |
Driving Factors: Sports Tourism and Community Reinvestment
A primary driver for this tax is Amherst’s status as a regional destination for youth sports. Town Supervisor Shawn Lavin noted that upcoming events, such as a major hockey tournament, are expected to generate upwards of 4,500 hotel nights. These visitors heavily utilize town-maintained facilities like the Northtown Center.
Councilman John Davis and Councilman Jack Kavanaugh have both signaled strong support for the measure. Davis highlighted the opportunity to “capture revenue from non-residents” to support tourism-related assets, while Kavanaugh emphasized that reinvesting in world-class facilities for sports, arts, and culture is essential for keeping the Amherst community vibrant and competitive.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Next Steps
While the proposal has found favor within the town board, regional tourism leaders are maintaining a watchful eye on the developments. Patrick Kaler, President and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara, expressed the need to remain vigilant regarding market competitiveness. He noted that Western New York’s reputation for affordability is a key factor in attracting large-scale tournaments and group business.
The Amherst Town Board is scheduled to vote on whether to advance this proposal to the New York State Legislature this Monday at 3 p.m. If approved at the state level, the measure will return to the town for a public comment period, providing residents and local business owners a formal platform to share their input on this shift in regional fiscal policy.
About the Author: William Strasmore is a veteran news reporter for the Lake Erie Times, specializing in investigative journalism and the regional dynamics of Western New York. His reporting focuses on community affairs and local politics to keep the public informed through thorough, impartial analysis. For more of his coverage, visit his author page.
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