ULSTER COUNTY CONTINUES PUSH FOR TRUTH AND TRANSPARENCY

Posted October 6, 2014

Drivers in Ulster County just became more knowledgeable regarding what they are paying at the pump, thanks to Ulster County Legislative Vice-Chairman and City of Kingston Legislator David Donaldson and Towns of Hurley and Woodstock Legislator Don Gregorius.  No longer will drivers have to leave the roadway to determine if the price on the large street sign advertises the price for cash or credit.

Proposed Local Law Number 8 of 2014, which passed the Ulster County Legislature with a vote of 17-3, requires if only one price is posted, such signs must display in all instances the price of gasoline at the standard retail price available to all customers, without any discounts or special offers. No longer will credit card users feel deceived for paying upwards of ten cents more per gallon than the road sign listed.  

The dual pricing emerged as independent gas station owners attempted to recoup the fees being added by banks and credit card companies; a cost that was ultimately eating into their operation costs.  After choosing a station based on the price listed on the street sign, cash customers will continue to benefit by finding an even lower price at the pump.

“I am proud to be part of a Legislative body that not only brought about the Truth In Taxation supplemental document, that is included in all tax bills, but has now brought truth in gasoline price advertising to all of Ulster County,” stated Vice Chairman David Donaldson.  

“Cash only price advertising was only part of the solution,” noted Legislator Don Gregorius.  “With this local law, travelers in Ulster County will either know when pulling into a station what they are paying or else receive a pleasant surprise.”

Ulster County Proposed Local Law #8 is expected to be signed into law by County Executive Michael Hein following his public hearing held today in the Legislative Chambers.