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Washington County treasurer says sales tax may hit $31 million; board approves small budget adjustments
Summary
The county treasurer told the board that sales‑tax receipts could reach $31,000,000 if recent deposit levels hold, improving the county’s year‑end outlook. The board approved several budget adjustments, including a $50,000 community development passthrough increase and a small $601 transfer for tax advertising.
The Washington County treasurer told the board that sales‑tax receipts may reach $31,000,000 this year if recent deposit levels continue, offering a better‑than‑expected close to 2025 finances.
Treasurer (speaking to the board) said, “there's an entirely large possibility that the sales tax is going to hit $31,000,000,” and cautioned that the projection depends on future receipts and external factors such as fuel prices. The treasurer also said county staff have not yet posted year‑end entries for mental‑health costs (about $3,000,000) and tax‑sale property adjustments; after those entries, the county could avoid using an appropriated $3.8 million of fund balance and potentially add a small amount back to reserves.
The treasurer said outside forecasters at NYSAC anticipate more growth in 2026, but emphasized that earlier downswings make forecasts uncertain.
The board approved several related budget adjustments. Members voted to transfer about $601 from a repairs line to the tax‑advertising line to cover additional auction notices and advertising. The board also approved a $50,000, budget‑neutral increase to the community development fund: the change reflects higher than anticipated passthrough JTPA monies and adds $50,000 to both revenue and expense lines so net cost is zero.
Board members discussed the county’s new short‑term rental registry, which is now live and carries a $250 registration fee payable once every two years; the treasurer noted the registry will generate both registration fees and Act 50 tax receipts that contribute to sales tax totals.
The board was also briefed on an upcoming amendment to the overall 2026 budget to cover a 1% increase negotiated with CSEA (see separate article). Officials said that amendment will reduce contingency to roughly $100,000 once payroll taxes are included.
The committee closed without further action on the treasurer’s forecast; next formal steps on broader budget changes will appear in the full board packet.
