[Adopted 7-25-2023 by L.L. No. 5-2023]
A. 
Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) § 487(2) provides that a solar or wind energy system or farm waste energy system (i.e., anaerobic digester) that began construction on or after January 1, 2018, and before December 31, 2030, shall be exempt from real property taxation to the extent of any increase in the value thereof by reason of the inclusion of such solar or wind energy system, or farm waste energy system.
B. 
RPTL § 487(8) further provides that a county may by local law provide that no exemption under § 487 shall be applicable within its jurisdiction with respect to any solar or wind energy system or farm waste energy system which began construction subsequent to January 1, 1991, or the effective date of such local law, whichever is later.
C. 
The Cayuga County Legislature finds that it is in the public interest to take the necessary steps to "opt out" of the above described real property tax exemption pursuant to the authority of RPTL § 487(8).
A. 
Upon the effective date of this article, no exemption under RPTL § 487 shall be applicable to County real property taxes imposed within the jurisdiction of Cayuga County with respect to any solar or wind energy system or farm waste energy system which began construction subsequent to the effective date hereof.
B. 
Pursuant to RPTL § 487(8)(b), construction of a solar or wind energy system or a farm waste energy system shall be deemed to have begun upon the full execution of a contract or interconnection agreement with a utility; provided, however, that if such contract or interconnection agreement requires a deposit to be made, then construction shall be deemed to have begun when the contract or interconnection agreement is fully executed and the deposit is made.
C. 
The owner or developer of such a system shall provide written notification to the appropriate local jurisdiction or jurisdictions upon execution of the contract or the interconnection agreement.
This article shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State and shall be applicable to all assessment rolls prepared pursuant to the first taxable status date occurring on or after the effective date of this article.