Staff at 25 Connecticut state parks will have to brush up on their math skills after learning the new state budget requires them to charge visitors the 6.35 percent sales tax.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is working on a way to levy the tax, which was tucked into the state budget signed by Governor Malloy June 30th.
DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen said parking fees at Connecticut state parks have not been taxed before. DEEP Spokeswoman Cyndy Chanaca said this change, which took effect July 1, poses a challenge to the parks in the middle of the busy summer season.
Fees are now based on round numbers and staff member typically don't use coins. Chanaca said the agency anticipates longer lines at entrance gates.
Kent Falls State Park, Lake Waramaug State Park and Campground in Kent, Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield, and Kettletown State Park and Campground in Southbury will start charging $9.58 for cars registered in Connecticut and $15.96 for cars registered in other states. The fee is only charged on weekends and holidays. Mount Tom will also charge in state cars $6.39, and $10.64 for out of state vehicles on weekdays.
On weekends and holidays, Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield will charge $13.83 for cars registered in Connecticut, and $23.40 for cars registered in other states. On weekdays, the parking fee is $9.58 for cars registered in Connecticut and $15.96 for cars registered in other states. Seven days a week, after 4pm the fee is $6.39 and $7.45 respectively.
