By JIMMY LAWTON

St. Lawrence County legislators are expected to vote Monday on a resolution of support for Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell’s proposal to allow a 1 percent sales tax increase.

St. Lawrence County Legislative Chairman Jonathan Putney of Waddington has been pushing the increase in sales tax. He said he is appreciative of Russell’s support, as well as recent efforts of senators Joe Griffo and Patricia Ritchie to pass a different, but similar bill in the state budget.

Putney said he expected the measure to pass the county with little resistance and hopes the senate will come to an agreement on a proposal.

“We certainly support the efforts of the Assembly and the Senate to pass legislation that we desperately need to provide property tax relief,” he said. “At this point we look forward to seeing the Assemblywoman’s proposal pass the Assembly.”

Despite claims of support in the Assembly and the Senate and agreement between the legislative branches not been reached an agreement.

Russell, who represents the river towns in St. Lawrence County, said she proposed home rule legislation that would allow the county to raise the sale tax to from 3 to 4 percent. Bringing the total sales tax from 7 to 8 percent.

She said her bill was introduced three sessions ago, but she has not been able to get support from North Country senators.

Senators Joseph Griffo, who represents central and eastern parts of the county including Massena, and Patricia Ritchie, who represents towns along the St. Lawrence River including Ogdensburg, were initially resistant to approving the increase.

Both changed their stance after the county provided a five-year plan and resolutions of support from many of the towns and villages.

During the final hours of state budget discussions, Ritchie, Griffo and Sen. Betty Little, attempted to include a blanket resolution that could allow all counties to raise sales tax to 4 percent without senate approval.

Their proposal would also allow county governments to extend the increases without state approval.

An emailed statement from Sen. Ritchie’s office blamed the Assembly for delaying the sales tax increase.

“It is unfortunate that the Assembly would not include a provision to allow St. Lawrence County to raise their sales tax in the State Budget. The proposal included in the Senate spending plan would have given the county authority to follow through on its plan to provide significant property tax relief to its residents,” the email,” said.

Although their proposals vary, Putney said all of the representatives seem to favor the new tax. He said without the increase St. Lawrence County property taxpayers will be in a desperate situation.

“I think the bottom line is that without the sales tax, unfortunately, the truth is property taxes are slated to go up significantly in the next couple years,” he said.

Russell said she expects the county to pass a resolution of support, which will allow her to move the proposal forward during the next session.