Author: Saratoga TODAY

Local government sales tax collections totaled $18.2 billion from January to September 2025, an increase of 4.3% ($747 million) compared to the same period last year, according to the quarterly sales tax report released t by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. 

Growth so far this year is higher than the 3.8% average growth rate seen from January to September for the 2010 to 2019 period of recovery and expansion following the Great Recession.

“New York’s local sales tax revenues rose through September compared to last year, but federal policy actions create significant fiscal risk for municipalities amid signs of a slowing economy,” said DiNapoli. “Local officials who rely on these revenues should take advantage of the financial planning tools and guidance my office offers to help them bolster their fiscal resilience.”

Findings from DiNapoli’s report on sales tax collections from January to September 2025 include:

• Each of the 10 regions in the state, including New York City, had a year-over-year increase in collections.

• New York City’s sales tax collections totaled $8.1 billion, an increase of 5.7% ($441 million), year over year, while aggregate collections for the counties and cities in the rest of the state grew by 3% ($258 million).

• Outside of New York City, regional growth ranged from a low of 0.6% (Mohawk Valley) to a high of 4.3% (Western New York).

• Nearly 90% of counties experienced a year-over-year increase in collections, with close to one-third of counties seeing more than 5% growth.

• Hamilton County saw the highest growth at 12%, followed by the counties of Yates and Chenango (each at 10.4%), Delaware (10.3%) and Orleans (9.7%).

• Among the six counties that had decreases in collections, Sullivan had the steepest decline (-4.7%), followed by Schoharie (-4.4%), Livingston (-2.5%) and St. Lawrence (-2.1%)

• Over half of cities outside of New York City that impose their own sales tax experienced growth in collections. Norwich had the largest increase at 17.2%, followed by Salamanca (8.7%). Of the remaining eight cities that experienced decreases in collections, Utica had the steepest decline (-8.9%), followed by Gloversville (-7.2%) and Oneida (-5.3%).

A few of the more notable factors that can help explain local sales tax growth or decline are changes in the rate of inflation, personal consumption and employment and wages. Due to the federal government shutdown, however, national personal consumption data and federal-state cooperative labor market data for the month of September were not released in time to be included in this report.

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center is excited to announce the launch of their annual Mitten Tree Community Giveback Program. Now through Friday, January 9, members of the local community are invited to contribute warm winter wear to the Visitor Center Mitten Tree located at 297 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. All donations will benefit the following organizations: CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Franklin Community Center, and Shelters of Saratoga.

“Your thoughtful donations make a lasting impact in our community, especially during difficult times,” said Karen Verrigni, Director of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. “Through generous donations this annual tradition provides hundreds of pieces of warm winter wear to those in need during the cold winter months. The kindness and generosity of our region is heartwarming!”

Instead of ornaments or lights, the tree is decorated with warm winter items such as hats, socks, scarves, gloves, and of course, mittens. If you’d like to donate, the Visitor Center asks that you hang new or handmade items upon the tree. 

The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Visitor Center will be open Wednesday, November 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1 :00 pm. The Visitor Center will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28, reopening Saturday, November 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. 

During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday, the Visitor Center will observe the following hours of operation: Open Tuesday, December 23 and Saturday, December 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed December 24, 25, and 26. Open Tuesday, December 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed December 31, January 1 & 2, 2026.  Starting Saturday, January 3 through March 31, 2026, the Visitor Center will follow winter hours, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday.

The United States Mint (Mint) hosted a ceremonial strike event Nov. 12 at its Philadelphia facility where Treasurer of the United States Brandon Beach struck the final, circulating one-cent coin (penny). The event marks the official end of the penny’s 232-year production run as a circulating coin.

“Today the Mint celebrates 232 years of penny manufacturing,” said Kristie McNally, Acting Mint Director. “While general production concludes today, the penny’s legacy lives on. As its usage in commerce continues to evolve, its significance in America’s story will endure.”  

The penny, first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, has long played a role in daily American life—from the earliest days of the U.S. economy to the present. However, economic and production factors, combined with evolving consumer behavior, have made its continued production unsustainable. Over the past decade, the cost of producing each penny has risen from 1.42 cents to 3.69 cents per penny.

While circulating production has ceased, the penny remains legal tender. There are an estimated 300 billion pennies in circulation—far exceeding the amount needed for commerce. Retailers and other businesses can continue to price goods and services in one-cent increments. 

The Mint will continue to produce numismatic versions of the penny in limited quantities for historical and collector purposes.

The Village of Ballston Spa invites all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in a public workshop on Thursday, November 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 50 West High Street in Ballston Spa as part of the ongoing Revitalize Ballston Spa planning initiative. The workshop will be a chance for the public to review and provide feedback on the plan’s draft recommendations.

 During the November 20 workshop, there will be:

• Brief presentation – Hear from the project team about progress on the Revitalize Ballston Spa plan to-date and learn more about the process and timeline;

• Open House and Interactive Activities – Review and provide feedback on draft recommendations, ask questions, and connect with fellow community members.

 Pizza will be provided and activities will be available for children. No prior registration is required to participate.

 The Revitalize Ballston Spa plan is a comprehensive, community-driven effort designed to attract investment and funding opportunities by establishing a clear and actionable vision for the Village’s future. For more information, visit revitalizebspa.com.

Two military-affiliated SUNY Empire students, Roy Belvett and Matthew Newsome ‘23, received scholarships from the Veterans Business Council (VBC) this past week. The scholarships support veterans or service members (active duty, national guard, or reserves) who live in, attend college in, or work in Saratoga County, NY. 

Belvett, a staff sergeant who currently serves in the New York Air National Guard, works as a fleet management analyst and material control section lead at Stratton Air National Guard Base. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Professional Studies in business, management, and economics with a concentration in information systems. 

Newsome, who serves as a section commander at the 83d Network Operations Squadron in Virginia, is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. Newsome graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SUNY Empire in 2023.  

“It was an honor to celebrate Roy and Matthew as two of the Veterans Business Council scholarship recipients at their annual breakfast this year,” said Director of Veteran and Military Education Desiree Drindak. “The VBC is an amazing partner that continues to empower and support veterans in our community.”