The Warren County 4% Occupancy Tax is due by Friday, January 20, 2023. This tax was collected by hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals in 2022; short-term rentals are defined as rentals for 30 days or shorter in duration. It is estimated that there are about 950 short-term rentals in Warren County.

This 4% occupancy tax for Warren County is used for tourism promotion – this tax is charged to the guest as part of their booking with the establishment.  Those who own and operate short term rentals in Warren County are required to register with the county, and the owners of the properties are responsible to pay the occupancy tax when the property is rented through AirBnb or VRBO.  

Short term rentals were added to the list of “Bed Tax” properties in 2018… The intention had been for major internet providers with services at those properties to collect and remit the tax to the county, but those companies did not respond to the request. This “Bed Tax” policy was then modified – in September of 2020 – to collect the tax directly from the property owners.

The property owners are required to register with the Treasurer’s Office, and must calculate, collect, and remit the tax per guest stay to the Warren County Treasurer. Penalties of up to 5% plus interest can be imposed for late payment or non-payment under the Warren County Occupancy Tax Law. For more information, visit Warrencountyny.gov or call Treasurer Mike Swan at (518) 761-6379.

On Sunday, January 15, 2023, the City of Glens Falls honored Martin Luther King Jr. This event began at City Hall, and was led by Reverend Oats, Ward 5 Councilwoman Mary Gooden, and Mayor Collins. Community members then walked arm in arm over to Christ Church United Methodist. 

This event was also attended by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Council at Large Jim Clark, Ward 2 Councilman Ed Donahue, Bob Driscoll, and Queensbury Supervisor John Strough. 

The program at Christ Church United Methodist included presentations by students from Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, and Queensbury School Districts. Presentations were also made by the Temple Synagogue Religious School, in conjunction with Temple Beth El.

This 2023 celebration commemorates the 40th Anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday – the legislation had originally been introduced in Congress in 1968, but opponents blocked its passage, leading to its reintroduction and successful passage in 1983; however, the first nationwide observance of the holiday did not take place until 1986. This holiday honors the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. and is celebrated with marches, parades, and speeches by civil rights and political leaders. 

The City of Glens Falls has had three armed robberies within a 36-hour period, and the Glens Falls Police Department is asking the public to remain vigilant; it is unknown if the incidents are unrelated, or if the same suspect is involved. The public is being asked to call Glens Falls Police Department if they see anyone looking suspicious. 

The first two incidents were reported to the Glens Falls Police department on January 10th, at approximately 11:30 PM… Both occurred in the same area of Larose Street and Broad Street. The suspect was described as wearing black-colored clothing and a black-colored face mask, and they reportedly walked up to victims, pointing a handgun and demanding money. The suspect did obtain a small amount of money before leaving the area on foot. 

The third incident was reported to the Glens Falls Police Department on January 12th, around 1:05 AM… This incident took place at the intersection of Bay Street and Union Street. This suspect was described as wearing black-colored clothing as well, but with a red-colored face mask. The suspect walked up to the victims, pointed a handgun and demanded money; however, this time, the suspect left the area without obtaining any money. 

The suspect(s) is described as being about 5’ 7” in height, with a skinny build, wearing all black clothes, a face-mask and having a red backpack.  All three incidents are being classified as “Attempted Armed Robberies”.

The Glens Falls Police Department is also asking for the assistance of anyone who lives in these areas to check their web cameras and security video equipment and to notify police if anything is found. If you have any information, please contact The Glens Falls Police at (518) 761-3840.