Broome County is benefiting from people opening their homes to travelers for a fee.

The County has an agreement with Airbnb to collect a 5% tax up front on rental payments, similar to the hotel/motel room tax.  Residents renting their homes are not losing money but the cost of rooms is going up.

County officials say the fee will help pay for economic development, development of the tourism industry locally and demolition of buildings.

23 counties, including Broome, are urging New York State lawmakers to collect taxes from Airbnb state-wide.

The new tax began August 1 in Broome County.

The state legislature is expected to take up the proposal on a statewide room tax when it reconvenes next year.

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