Welcome to Erie County the highest taxes on gas in the state…. It is a windfall and there is no denying it. Sure costs have gone up and they have gone up for everybody in many many things. What do we have to do? We have to cut our costs and our spending in other places just to be able to survive. What does government do? NOTHING but reap in the benefits. And who pays? As always we do.

Counties are collecting millions from taxes on gasoline : Home : The Buffalo News

Erie, others benefit as price rises while volume declines

ALBANY — Motorists upset by high gasoline prices can add another target for their scorn: county governments across the state.

Because the counties’ tax generally is calculated on the price, not the volume, counties are collecting millions of additional dollars this year even though drivers are purchasing less fuel.

An analysis by The Buffalo News shows counties’ gasoline tax revenues have risen 12 percent in the first six months of the year compared with the same period last year.

For Erie County, which imposes the highest levy on gasoline in the state, these revenues increased 37 percent for the first six months, adding nearly $7 million to what motorists have paid so far.

Statewide, the increase for all counties totals $31 million for the first half of this year.

For the state, which has capped its tax on gasoline, these revenues have declined 11 percent over the same period.

Critics say the counties should not profit from higher gasoline prices.

“There’s no question, they’re getting a windfall,” said Edmund J. McMahon, director of the Empire Center for New York State Policy, a conservative think tank. “They shouldn’t be able to coast on a commodity rise.”

“I didn’t realize the windfall was that significant for the counties,” said Kendra Adams, president of the New York State Motor Truck Association, whose members have been complaining the loudest about high gasoline prices. “It’s a cause for concern. We can’t continue to place the burden on the backs of our consumers.”

Erie County officials, though, dismiss talk of a windfall.

“We’re a victim of it just like everybody else,” said Greg Gach, the county budget director, who noted that the county must pay more to fuel its vehicles. He also pointed out that oil-based products used in road repairs have risen sharply, increasing the cost of such work.

From January through June, Erie County collected $24.5 million in gasoline sales taxes, compared with $17.9 million in the same period last year. more—>