Sullivan County expands room tax law

MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Legislature recently revised its existing lodging facility room occupancy tax.

Known informally as the “bed tax,” the tax on the occupancy of lodging facility rooms (five percent of the rental rate) is split between the county (which retains 15 percent) and not-for-profits engaged in tourism marketing and promotion, 85 percent.

“All short-term rentals of lodging facilities are subject to the tax, from hotels and motels to bed-and-breakfasts and homes that are rented out partially or fully for less than 90 days. That includes people who offer rooms in their own residences via services like Airbnb, VRBO, etc.,” treasurer Nancy Buck said. “The law was updated to clarify the definition of a lodging facility as ‘any form of shelter not owned by or provided by the occupant which is used for lodging on an overnight basis.’”

For more information, or to apply for a certificate of authority to collect room tax, visit www.sullivanny.us/Departments/Treasurer/RoomTax or call the treasurer’s office at 845/807-0200.

Pike County prison staff, inmates receive vaccine

LORDS VALLEY, PA — All inmates and staff at the Pike County Correctional Facility (PCCF) have been offered the COVID-19 vaccine, and all interested individuals have received the Moderna vaccine.

The PCCF vaccine initiative is independent of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ effort, which currently only administers COVID-19 vaccinations at State Correctional Institutions.

PCCF Warden Craig Lowe initiated Pike’s effort with the County’s Emergency Management Director Tim Knapp, who arranged for the vaccine to be delivered through Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers. Shots were administered by PrimeCare Medical, which provides healthcare services to PCCF.

Initially, 14 PCCF staff members became fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine. This week, four staff members and 30 inmates received their first doses. Second doses will be administered in 28 days. Inmates who are released prior to full vaccination will be provided reentry services to assist them in securing a second dose vaccine appointment.

Port Jervis participates in ‘No Empty Chair’ campaign

PORT JERVIS, NY — Officers from the Port Jervis City Police Department joined police officers across New York State participating in the “No Empty Chair” campaign Monday, April 19 to Friday, April 23. In addition to educating students about safe driving, state and local law enforcement increase patrols near local high schools, focusing on a different traffic safety threat each day, including texting while driving, speeding in school zones, seat belts and underage drinking and driving.

“Each year, thousands of high school students across New State look forward to attending their prom and graduation ceremony. For parents, siblings, educators and the community, these memorable moments become meaningless when a child dies in a car crash,” a press release states. “Regrettably, this scenario happens all too often, and law enforcement is tasked with making the difficult ‘knock on the door.’ The ‘No Empty Chair’ teen driving safety education and enforcement campaign raises awareness of highway dangers in the hope there will be no empty chairs during prom and graduation season.”

SBA announces restaurant relief guidelines

WASHINGTON, D.C. — SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman has announced key details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RFF). The restaurant industry has been among the hardest-hit sectors during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help bring jobs back and revive the industry, the American Rescue Plan established the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA will administer the funds to the hardest-hit small restaurants.

Details on application requirements, eligibility and a program guide are now available in English at www.sba.gov/restaurants or in Spanish at www.sba.gov/restaurantes.

The official application launch date will be announced at a later date. For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize reviewing applications from small businesses owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Following the 21-day period, all eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications.

PA physicians on J&J vaccine

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians President Tiffany Leonard, MD, issued the following statement in response to the FDA’s decision to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S.:

“Patients who have already received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and experience any pain or swelling of the legs, abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms should contact their health care provider. While we are all concerned about reported adverse events with this vaccine, the initial data suggests that for most patients the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine is well tolerated, and these reactions are extremely rare. Family physicians will be monitoring the situation closely to best serve their communities."