Rockland County sees decent boost in sales tax collection, while most of New York struggles

Rockland County sales tax collections have increased 3.4 percent in the second quarter and 6.41 percent in the first six months of 2014 versus last year.

According to a recent quarterly cash flow report issued for the entire state, between April and June 2014 Rockland County collected $48,608,624 vs. 2013, when the county collected $47,009,562 over the same period. The January through June 2014 numbers are even better, with the county $97,733,913 vs. $91,843,431.

While Rockland has done better this year, New York State’s average county saw the tax income collection remain flat over the first six months, with the exception of four counties who raised their rate.The total collection for counties outside of New York City, excluding the four counties that increased their sales tax rate, saw an average change of only .01 percent.

However, the second quarter was better for most counties than the first.

In the second quarter, 10 counties had negative growth. In the first quarter of 2014 and the last quarter of 2013, 27 counties had negative growth.

“Sales tax revenue is crucial to counties, as it is one of only a handful of revenue sources available,” said New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) President Mark Alger. “The state must make an ongoing commitment to targeted Mandate Relief in health and human programs and relieve the burden on local taxpayers.”

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “Sales tax collection data provides a key indicator of our state and local economy. Clearly we are still in recovery mode, and while the numbers show improvement we have a long way to go. There is a need for continued focus on economic development, at both the local and state level.”