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Immediate Release	Information:
August 10, 1999	Robert W. Ingalls 798-5800

EANNACE PROPOSES SALES TAX EXEMPTION

Utica, N.Y.: Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr. today announced that he has sent proposed legislation to the Oneida County Board of Legislators which would exempt the county sales tax on clothing and footwear purchases of less than $500 for the period September 1^st through September 7^th, 1999. New York State has already exempted such purchases from the state level sales tax on clothing and footwear. Eannace said, "I am in favor or our adopting the local legislation that will enable our citizens to take advantage of the State's enactment, and I strongly urge the Board of Legislators to pass such legislation at their August 11^th regular session. In spite of the current potential budget problems we face as a result of increasing Medicaid costs and State cost shifting, this action will help local shoppers and keep local retail clothing and shoe outlets competitive with other counties. This will amount to an 8% discount for shoppers in Oneida County." New York State is also offering a sales tax-free week between January 15^th, 2000 and January 21^st, 2000. The County Executive indicated that he fully anticipates recommending that Oneida County join the State with another County weeklong exemption at that time. The State also intends to legislate a permanent sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear effective March 1^st, 2000, which is not supported by the County Executive. "The final decision is up to the Board of Legislators, but I cannot recommend participation in the permanent exemption if it means that the County property tax payers have to dig deeper in their pockets.