The Daily Freeman reports that Ulster County could raise its occupancy tax on hotel, motel, and short-term rental stays from 2 percent to 4 percent if Gov. Kathy Hochul signs a bill approved by the State Legislature. State Sen. Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha sponsored the bill, that was voted on June 8. Dutchess County has had a 4 percent occupancy tax rate since 2005, while Orange and Sullivan counties each have a 5 percent occupancy tax and Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, “We are long past due for a sensible tax rate that better aligns with our neighbors, and keeps money in the pockets of our local taxpayers while providing revenue to tackle urgent priorities, like the housing crisis." If Hochul signs the bill, the Ulster County Legislature would have to pass a bill to raise the tax rate. Metzger previously said that a portion of the new occupancy tax could be directed to expand Ulster County Area Transit bus service, with the remaining 50 percent of revenues divided between tourism and offsetting costs for those who pay property taxes. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.