Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $1.85 billion in August 2024, an increase of $68 million  compared to the same month in 2023, according to a report released by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

In St. Lawrence County, sales tax revenue dropped 7.6% in August, down $0.52 million compared to August of last year. Total tax revenue collected was $6.26 million, down from $6.78 million in August 2023.

Sales tax collections in Ogdensburg increased 25.3% compared to Aug. 2023, with the city collecting $170,000 Aug. 2024 compared to $140,000 in Aug. 2023.

“Growth in local sales tax collections improved in August, year over year, after being flat in July,” DiNapoli said. “While this growth is certainly encouraging, local officials must keep in mind sales tax revenues can be volatile and budget cautiously.”

Collections in New York City totaled $792.9 million, an increase of 4.4% or $33 million.

County and city collections in the rest of the state totaled $1.054 billion.

Schoharie County experienced the strongest growth at 21.1%, while Allegany County had the smallest sharpest decline of 23.2%.

These monthly sales tax collections are from the cash distributions made to counties and tax-imposing cities by the state Department of Taxation and Finance, and the amounts are based on estimates of what each municipality is due. In the third month of each calendar year quarter, these distributions are adjusted upward or downward, so that the quarter as a whole reflects reported sales by vendors. The next quarterly numbers (for October to December) will be available in January.