Ulster lawmakers agree to seek state OK for tax on wealthy

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Ulster County lawmakers voted Tuesday to seek state permission to impose a surcharge on the taxes paid by the county’s highest earners.

The 15-8 vote came after legislators listened to more than 36 speakers who argued for and against the plan. In total, 23 speakers urged legislators to vote to ask the state to OK the county’s request to impose the surcharge, while 16 speakers — including several who are running for elected office — called for lawmakers to reject the proposal.

A group of several dozen supporters of the measure held a rally outside the Ulster County Building, where the Legislature holds its meeting, ahead of the vote.