The Rockland County Legislature has approved a measure aimed at easing the burden of rising gasoline prices by capping the amount of sales tax collected on fuel.
Under the plan, the County’s 4% sales tax will only be applied to the first $3 per gallon of gasoline, rather than the full retail price. With gas prices in Rockland County approaching $4 per gallon, the move is expected to provide modest savings for drivers.
The measure, which now heads to County Executive Ed Day for final approval, will take effect June 1, 2026, and remain in place through March 1, 2027. It applies only to the County’s portion of the sales tax; New York State taxes, including the state excise tax and MCTD assessment, will remain unchanged.
County Executive Ed Day said the cap is intended to provide relief as families continue to face rising costs. “Government should not benefit from higher prices—it should step in to provide relief,” he said.
The legislation was sponsored by Legislator Beth Davidson, who pointed to increasing financial pressures on residents, including higher costs for groceries, healthcare, and energy, as well as global factors impacting fuel prices.
Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said the rising cost of everyday essentials is hitting families hard. “By capping the sales tax once prices exceed $3 per gallon, we are putting some money back into residents’ pockets,” he said.
Budget & Finance Committee Chairman Itamar Yeger added that while local officials cannot control global oil prices, they can take action on taxes. “This cap is a commonsense way to ease some of the financial strain residents are experiencing,” he said.
County officials noted that a similar gas tax cap was implemented in 2022 during a spike in fuel prices, as part of ongoing efforts to provide relief during periods of economic strain.
