Rick Karlin reports in the Times Union that from June 1 to Dec. 31 the state of New York is giving up its share of the 16-cent-per-gallon gas sales tax to consumers. Local counties have the option to give consumers their share during the same time period, but so far Ulster County is the only one giving up their tax revenue. As of April 25, gas prices in the Capital Region, according to the Gas Buddy website, were above $4 per gallon for regular, ranging between $4.13 to $4.29. Some county officials don't want to give up the revenue the gas tax brings them. Rich Crist, spokesperson for Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, said in an email that, “There have been some discussions with county and local officials about the gas tax issue, but there is a concern over whether residents would actually see a drop in the price at the pumps and if funds would be taken from needed services and efforts to keep property taxes stable." Greene, Columbia, and Albany County officials have also not taken any action to give their share of the gas tax back to consumers. Albany County officials say they are trying to figure out whether the tax can be cut through a resolution or if they have to pass a local law. Read more about this story in the Times Union.