Ellicottville Town Board Updates Residency Rules for Clerk & Tax Collector, Considers STR Occupancy Tax
Ellicottville Town Board Updates Residency Rules for Clerk & Tax Collector, Considers STR Occupancy Tax
Town board expands candidate eligibility for key positions and reviews potential short-term rental occupancy tax amid STR license surge.
The February meeting of the Ellicottville Town Board addressed Local Law No. 1 of the year 2026, concerning the residency requirement for appointed Town Clerk and Tax Collector for the Town of Ellicottville. It was passed and allows for “wider selection” of candidates in that they “need not be a resident of the Town of Ellicottville, provided they reside within the County of Cattaraugus.”
A “Town Occupancy Tax” was presented as “something to think about” for infrastructure, water & sewer, and roads. It would not be a property tax burden but for the 1,202 overnight STR guests (Short-Term Rentals). It would require an application to the State for a tax amendment.
In other matters discussed, Robyn George, Town Clerk, passed on a resolution that was brought to her attention from the Town Board of Cinncinatus in which a resolution was passed to urge the “New York State Public Commission, NYSEG, the Governor of the State of New York, and members of the New York State Legislature for immediate review of electric delivery charges, improved cost controls” and transparency. Cinncinatus is encouraging municipalities served by NYSEG for coordinated action among affected towns authorizing the “Town Supervisor to submit formal complaints, written comments, and supporting documentation to the New York State Public Service Commission on behalf of the Town and its residents, objecting to excessive electric costs and requesting regulatory intervention.” Ellicottville is actually served by National Grid so the Board tabled acting on the resolution until changes can be made to it to reflect Ellicottville's circumstances.
Kelly Fredrickson, Code Enforcement Officer, stated that as of February 13th, there were 266 STR (Short-Term Rentals) licenses. He shared that there had been a rush of applications, calls, and people coming in. Time is running out to make the February 28th deadline for submitting STR applications. At that time, they will pause to look it over to decide what the cap will be.
The Ellicottville Town Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Ellicottville Town Hall, 1 W. Washington St. Their next meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2026 at 6:00pm. The public is encouraged to attend. Find upcoming meeting agendas and past meetings minutes at townofellicottvilleny.gov.