WILMINGTON, Vt. (AP) — A Windham County lawmaker is working on a plan that would allow towns to waive penalties and interest incurred by ski-related businesses late on their tax payments.

The bill being proposed by Sen. Jeanette White, D-Windham, would allow municipalities to waive the 8 percent state fines and other charges for late tax payments for at least 30 days, to give a break to businesses that rely on ski-related tourism.

Lawmakers hope to expedite the legislation because many tax payments are due this month. The state is also launching a $200,000 advertising campaign to attract more skiers to the state, in hopes of compensating for the hit the industry sustained in November and December, when warm weather and lack of snow postponed resort openings and kept skiers away.

“There is snow on the ground and we are doing fine right now,� said Laura Sibilia, the executive director of the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce. “But no matter how well we do this month, we can’t make up for December and January.�

The bill could be introduced this week in the Senate Government Operations Committee, which White chairs. State Sen. Richard Sears said the help is needed.

“Obviously, we can’t control the weather, but we can give them a hand during a tough time,� said Sears, D-Bennington. “We have an obligation to help these struggling businesses.�

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