Tompkins County sees partial sales-tax recovery in July, year-to-date revenue still down

Tompkins County finance staff presented July sales-tax data showing a partial recovery from deeper declines earlier in the COVID-19 emergency. The monthly figure for the county's sales tax returned to negative 13.19%, an improvement from the sharper declines in April–June, but the year-to-date total remained down about $3.28 million (15.05%) compared with the same period in 2019.

"If you move over to the right hand column and you want to see the year to date, the year to date actual was $18,500,000 compared to $21,800,000 last year," the presenting finance staff said, highlighting a $3.28 million drop year over year. The report showed top-category shifts: Internet sales rose substantially (reported as up 188% in the total sales figure cited) and moved into the top position by category, while traveler accommodations and many brick-and-mortar retail categories fell sharply.

Committee members urged staff to clarify several categories in the report: an "information services" category showing a very large percentage rise and computer/peripheral equipment growth required further detail. Staff said the category-level report was provided by NYSAC and the state reporting windows complicate month-to-month comparisons; staff committed to follow up on specific line-item questions and to circulate clarified documentation.

Legislators warned that local businesses and restaurants are particularly vulnerable given sustained drops in clothing and eating-place receipts; members encouraged residents to support local merchants where possible.

The presentation informed later budget discussions and the legislature's vote on revenue-related resolutions on the Aug. 18 agenda.