Rockland County Executive Ed Day & Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. remind residents that a previously approved measure to help ease the burden of rising fuel costs will take effect this summer. 

Under this measure, the County’s 4% sales tax on gasoline will be applied only to the first $3 per gallon, rather than the full retail price. According to AAA, the average price of gasoline in Rockland County is approaching $5 per gallon, making the sales tax cap a timely source of modest relief for local drivers. 

“When prices rise, government’s role is to provide relief, not profit. This move delivers immediate, albeit modest, savings and is one part of our ongoing work to reduce costs and protect residents’ budgets,” County Executive Ed Day said. “We hope it lessens the strain on families when and where possible.”

Adopted by the County Legislature and signed by County Executive Ed Day, the cap will be in effect from June 1, 2026 through March 1, 2027, and will save about $1.60 per fill-up for gas priced at $5 per gallon. 

“By capping the sales tax once prices exceed $3 per gallon, we are ensuring residents aren’t paying more in taxes simply because prices have surged,” said Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. “This is our way of helping Rocklanders cope with the economic pressures beyond our control.”

The cap affects only the County portion of the sales tax. State per gallon taxes, including the New York State excise tax and the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) assessment, remain unchanged. 

“Capping the county sales tax on gasoline puts Rockland families first,” said Minority Leader Lon Hofstein. “This measure reduces immediate pressure at the pump, protects household budgets, and keeps more money in our local economy. It’s a commonsense step that balances fiscal responsibility with relief for residents.”

County government took similar action in April 2022, capping sales tax as gas prices soared and the economy was still in post-pandemic economic recovery.

Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson, who sponsored the resolution to put the cap in place – which was unanimously supported by the Legislature and the County Executive, said, “Too many residents are struggling with the rising cost of living, and every bit of relief matters. This gasoline sales tax cap will help reduce costs at the pump through summer and beyond. I am proud to have sponsored this effort to provide some financial breathing room for working families, commuters, and seniors.”

The County’s Office of Consumer Protection has distributed notices to gas stations regarding the gas tax cap and will plan to follow up with in-person visits to ensure fuel stations are in compliance.