Albany County lawmakers have rejected a proposal to permanently drop the county’s four-percent sales tax on clothing and footwear purchases in the county.
The county legislature voted down the measure after some debate Monday night.
The Republican-led measure split mainly down party lines, with most Democrats voting against the move.
The measure’s supporters had said it would help affordability for consumers, while opponents questioned its impact on government services.
New York state already provides an exemption on its 4% portion of the clothing sales tax for items less than $110. Counties and municipalities can take legislative action to participate.
In addition to New York City, nearly a dozen counties have eliminated their local share of the sales tax.
There were more than $300 million in taxable clothing and footwear sales in the county from March 2024 to February 2025, according to the New York State Association of Counties.