The Office of Erie County Comptroller reported today that based on data and receipts transmitted by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (“State”), the County’s sales tax revenue for April 2010 is 10.48% better (accrual basis) than April 2009.

Comptroller Mark C. Poloncarz noted that this translates to a $2.7 million improvement in revenues for April 2010 compared to April 2009 for the County’s share. The County’s Adopted 2010 Budget provides for County share sales tax revenues of $346.2 million. The 2010 Budget also planned for a 2% increase in sales tax revenues compared to the adjusted 2009 Budget of $339.2 million.

Poloncarz said “Sales tax receipts for the first four months of 2010 are meeting budget and are coming in higher than the first four months of 2009, reflecting a positive trend so far in 2010.” He cautioned, however, that sales tax receipts fluctuated wildly in 2009 and in February 2010, the County had a decline in sales tax revenues. As a result, and given the national, state and local economic trends, this revenue source requires constant monitoring.

Similar positive sales tax results are being reported in comparable counties, including Monroe, Onondaga, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk. This is noteworthy because in 2009, these counties experienced significant declines in sales tax compared to 2008.

In Erie County, sales taxes comprise the single-highest revenue stream to the County.