Local Government Publications

Sales tax is a major revenue source for New York City and the 57 counties. The strongest growth for 2013 was in the Long Island region Some of the rapid sales tax growth seen there and in New York City was due to the rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Sandy.

This 2013 Annual Report on Local Governments highlights the difficult fiscal environment under which local officials are expected to fulfill their obligations to the people they serve, and outlines the steps OSC is taking to assist in these efforts.

This report summarizes findings from the Fiscal Stress Monitoring System using 2013 data for villages with fiscal years ending in February through May. Statewide, 3 percent of villages are experiencing fiscal stress. Downstate villages are more likely than upstate villages to experience fiscal stress. The report notes that some of the environmental factors thought to drive fiscal stress differ between downstate and upstate villages.

This report summarizes findings from the first set of fiscal stress scores to be released for school districts. Statewide, 12.9 percent of school districts are in some level of fiscal stress. Within the report, common fiscal and environmental factors are highlighted along with differences for school districts of varying need/resource capacity.

Between a tax levy limit that restricts local funding, State and federal aid cuts and a lack of other sources of funding, schools are facing fiscal challenges that are not likely to dissipate in the short term.

Like many other "Rust Belt" cities, Buffalo suffered a decline as transportation patterns shifted and manufacturing facilities shut down. However, Buffalo still benefits from its location on the Canadian border and the City, with State and private sector support, has recently made significant efforts to promote new development.

The full value of property in White Plains dropped by 29 percent between 2008 and 2013, after more than doubling from 2002 to 2008. While cities statewide show slight recovery, White Plains may find dealing with the loss of so much property value a challenge in the future.

Rye has strong public and private services, including an excellent school system, a vital retail shopping sector and recreational facilities that include parks, beaches, golf and yacht clubs, and nature centers.

The Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law on March 23, 2010. As a result, the eligibility requirements for Medicaid have expanded and New York State (State) will now see an increased enrollment in the program as of January 2014. To assist with the additional costs associated with the increased coverage, the Federal government is providing additional Medicaid relief funding. This funding is anticipated to start in January 2014.

In 2012, the full market value of all real property in New York State was estimated at $2.5 trillion dollars with about $826 billion exempt from one or more types of taxes. This report explores what tax exemptions are, where they are most prevalent, and what local governments may do to minimize their impact.

This bulletin provides information on the reporting requirements of deferred inflows of resources and deferred outflows of resources as required by Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 63, Financial Reporting of Deferred Outflows of Resources, Deferred Inflows of Resources, and Net Position (Statement 63), and GASB Statement No. 65, Items Previously Reported as Assets and Liabilities (Statement 65).

This report summarizes the findings for all of the calendar year-based local governments which have been scored to date, focusing on common themes and statewide trends.1

Despite its strong tax base, the Town of Colonie has struggled financially in the past decade. However, between a series of property tax increases, including a one-time tax in 2009, and an arrangement to have a private contractor operate the Town’s landfill, Colonie experienced a stronger financial position at the end of 2011 than it had seen since 2002.

Local Sales Tax Collections Up 5.7 Percent in First Half of 2013; Growth Concentrated Downstate

The decline in manufacturing has contributed to the City of Binghamton’s high rates of unemployment and poverty compared to statewide averages. The City must also contend with constraints upon its ability to raise revenues.

Local governments are more often receiving significant premiums upon the issuance of Tax Anticipation Notes (TANs) and Revenue Anticipation Notes (RANs) and accounting treatment has not always been consistent. This bulletin clarifies the prescribed accounting treatment of TAN and RAN premiums and the restrictions on the use of these premiums.

Many of New York’s local governments are still struggling with the effects of the recent recession. The following report takes a look at how some of the drivers of fiscal stress have affected counties, cities, towns, and villages.

The City has paid down a significant amount of debt. This, along with the City’s substantial fund balance and a large tax margin, leave Watertown well positioned to cope with current and future fiscal challenges.

The City of Elmira has taken measures to control expenditures through management efficiencies, while still recognizing the importance of investment in infrastructure and economic development initiatives.

IDAs can assist ailing municipalities by encouraging the creation of new businesses or the retention of existing businesses. However, it is vitally important that the granting of tax exemptions for a project will generate an economic benefit in the form of well-paying jobs and/or future new revenues for local governments. In short, incentives should be coupled with performance. 2011 Regional IDA Statistics [pdf] | 2011 Regional IDA Statistics - Jobs Created [pdf] | OSC Economic Regions of NYS [pdf] | IDA Projects in 2011 [xlsx]