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Sales tax revenue up last year in Greene, Columbia counties

Feb 16, 2016 5:15 am

Katie Kocijanski and Hunter Harrison are reporting in The Daily Mail both Columbia and Greene counties have seen an overall increase in local sales tax revenue. The state Comptroller's Office released Fri., Feb. 12, its annual report on sales tax collection. According to the report, collections statewide grew by 3.6 percent in 2015. While collections declined in 30 of the 57 counties outside of New York City, in Greene County sales tax revenue grew by 3.1 percent and in Columbia County by .1 [point one] percent. Greene County Administrator Shaun Groden said the county had a good winter season last year with lots of visitors. He said sales tax is the county's single biggest source of revenue. Chamber of Commerce President David Colby also attributed the increase in Columbia County's numbers to tourism, and he said local businesses are also doing well. Colby said the presence of the Amtrak station in Hudson is an essential factor in the increased visitor traffic. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.