Syracuse Mayor argues for sales tax revenue helping city

Reported by NCC's Matt Rivers:

Each year Onondaga County collects sales tax and distrbiutes it to towns and cities in its jurisdiction. This year's proposal, however, has created controversy.

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner made an appearance at the County Legislature's sales tax committee meeting this morning. She made her case arguing for the city to continue receving a large share of sales tax revenue.

A proposal from Chief Fiscal Officer James Rowley calls for the county to keep more of the revenue for itself.

Last year, the county made about $200 million from the tax. Currently, syracuse has a $35 million budget defecit. Miner says any decrease in the city's share could hurt progress in both education and medical improvements.

This morning's meeting was the fourth of five such discussions the committee has scheduled. officials say a new sales tax sharing plan could be in place by May 1.