Rensselaer County Sets Another Sales Tax Record During 2023, County Executive Steve McLaughlin Announces
County Reaches $125 Million Level in Revenues During 2023, Continuing Strong Performance
Rensselaer County continues to be a leader in New York State in growing revenue from retail activity, with the county reaching the $125 million level for the first time during 2023, County Executive Steve McLaughlin Announced Today.
The county took in $124.8 million in sales tax revenue during 2023, extending the county’s record of sales tax growth during McLaughlin’s service as County Executive.
“Rensselaer County continues to be a place where people come to shop, eat and make major purchases. This shows our county is on the right track and growing in a positive and sustainable manner,” said McLaughlin.
“During the past six years, we have reduced taxes by 37 percent, paved 255 miles of roads and improved county services. That work sends a strong message to residents and shoppers, and we are glad that message is being heard,” added McLaughlin.
The county has shown strong performance in sales tax revenues during McLaughlin’s time as Executive. In 2019, the county led all counties with the rate of growth in sales tax revenues. In 2021, the county broke through the $100 million barrier for the first time, earning $110 million that year. In 2022, the county took in $122 million in revenues.
“In just four years, we have grown sales tax revenues by 32 percent, and that shows the strength and vitality of Rensselaer County,” said McLaughlin.
“The growth in sales tax revenues is a major reason why we have been able to cut property taxes by nearly 40 percent and to a level comparable to what county taxpayers paid nearly 30 years ago,” added McLaughlin.
The growth in sales tax revenues has also supported the county during the Reimagine Rensselaer County Facilities project, a comprehensive renovation and improvement of county facilities. The Reimagine project has seen the county move a number of county offices to new space at 99 Troy Road in East Greenbush, renovate the County Office Building in downtown to host Social Services and other human services and reduce the county’s reliance on rented space, renovate a new location for Probation, and open a new county senior center in downtown Troy.
The Reimagine project also includes development of two new county senior centers in Hoosick and Rensselaer-East Greenbush, and operation of two full-time DMV locations in Troy and East Greenbush.
“This growth in sales tax collection is welcome news and it is a testament to the strong retail growth in North Greenbush and other parts of our county. Retail growth also creates jobs for our residents and improves the quality of life In our communities,” said Chair of the Legislature Kelly Hoffman.