St. Lawrence Legislature wants IDA tax repealed

CANTON — St. Lawrence County lawmakers went on record Monday supporting state legislation to repeal a 4.7 percent tax on industrial development agencies' gross revenues. County officials say the tax is unfair because it taxes pass-through money, like grants, that public economic development agencies do not keep.

The IDA last month received a bill for $27,912.

"This tax is a disincentive for economic development," said Legislator Frederick S. Morrill, D-DeKalb Junction, and IDA board member. "It was just put on as a way for the state to raise money."

The tax was included in the 2009-2010 state budget. Six state senators, including Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, earlier this month introduced legislation to repeal it. Companion Assembly legislation was introduced last week.