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Region’s sales taxes decreased again in July, year-to-date show only slight drop
By BOB CLARK
OLEAN — July saw double-digit sales tax declines across the region because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but local taxing bodies are in better shape this year to date than the state average. The Office of the State Comptroller reported that Western New York — Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties — collected $80.06 million in sales taxes in July, down 10.6% compared to July 2019. However, between January and July, the region’s sales taxes are down about 6.1% from the same period of 2019, thanks to strong results in the first three months of the year and a large spike in June. By comparison, New York City’s tax revenues are down about 16% from the first seven months of 2019, while the statewide total for those months is down 11.3% from the same period in 2019. Area counties and cities showed similar performance to the region as a whole. Allegany County’s sales tax receipts are up 1.8% from the first seven months of 2019 — the only county in the region to see a net gain. July saw $1.51 million in sales taxes collected, down 9.3% from July 2019. However, the county saw a 32.3% increase in July from the year before; a 24.8% increase in March, which countered the major decreases in April and May due to the pandemic. Cattaraugus County
recorded $2.71 million in sales tax receipts in July, down 18.6% from July 2019. However, because of the $4.7 million in tax receipts in June, the county is down 5.1% for the first seven months of the year. Sales tax receipts in the county did not start to decline on a monthly basis until April, as strong sales early in the month counteracted decreased sales as the pandemic began to affect local businesses. The worst month of the year was May, when revenues declined 38.4% Olean city sales taxes in July totalled about $296,000, down 17.7% from July 2019. However, due to performances earlier in the year — even with a 43.1% drop in May — the city has collected $2.34 million to date. That figure is 4.8% lower than the $2.46 million collected in the first seven months of 2019. When looking at the city’s fiscal year, which runs June through May, sales tax collections are down 2.22% from the same period of 2019. The worst month to date — May with a 43.1% decrease compared to the year before — was in the 2019-20 fiscal year and was mostly offset by higher returns over the previous months. Salamanca recorded around $46,000 in sales tax receipts in July, down 14.8% from July 2019. For 2020 to date, around $395,000 has been collected, up 2.7% from the first seven months of last year.
Allegany County election officials answer FAQs on voting in 2020
By BOB CLARK BELMONT — With Election Day fast approaching, local officials hope to ease concerns and let voters know when, where and how to make sure their vote counts. The Allegany County Board of Elections announced an FAQ for potential voters in this year’s general election, set for Nov. 3. “We are attempting to calm the waters when it comes to some frequently asked questions from voters,” said Barbara Broughton, a deputy elections commissioner for the county. Q: Will all of the normal poll sites be open on Election Day? A: Yes — absolutely. Election hours are 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. All COVID-19 precautions will be taken. Masks will be required, cleaning between voters and limited people in the poll site. The poll workers will have voters beyond capacity wait in their car and brought in as allowed. Inspectors will be trained on exactly what is required. Voters who refuse a mask will be given an option of voting via an affidavit ballot outside the door of the poll site. Q: Is there still time to register to vote for the election? A: Yes. Registration is due by the following dates: Oct. 9 — in-person drop off at the BOE office. Mailed registration must be postmarked by that day and received by Oct. 14. Q: Will all voters automatically receive a ballot for the election? A: No, not at this time. Q: Can I request an absentee ballot for Election Day? A: Yes. Call the Board of Elections at (585) 268-9295 or (585) 268-9294 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with questions or concerns. This will move the process along quicker. Q: Once I have completed my voted ballot how should I get it back to the Board of Elections? A: You have several options: Mail it in the provided envelope (you will need to provide postage)
Bring to the Board of Elections, 8 Willets Ave., Belmont, during business hours- this can be done by you, a trusted family member or friend. The ballot will be signature-verified and logged in, then locked in a bipartisan room with dual locks. Bring to any poll site during the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 3. You can also drop off at the Board of Elections between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Q: Where and when do I early vote? A: Early Voting hours begin Saturday, Oct. 24, at the board of elections offices, 8 Willets Ave., Belmont. Dates and times are: · Oct 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Oct. 25: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Oct. 26: 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. · Oct. 27: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Oct. 28: 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. · Oct. 29: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Oct. 30: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. · Oct. 31: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Nov. 1: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you choose to early vote, keep in mind all COVID-19 precautions will be taken. Masks will be required, cleaning between voters and limited people in the poll site. The board will have extras wait in their car & bring in as allowed. Q: Do I need an appointment for early voting? A: No, you do not need an appointment with the Board of Elections. Q: Will there be lines on Election Day?
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job! Races on all ballots in the county this year include president of the United States, 23rd Congressional District, 57th state Senate, 148th state Assembly and county judge. Other town and village races include: · Amity: Justice, 4-year term · Village of Andover: Justice, 4-year term · Angelica: Justice, 4-year term · Village of Angelica: Justice, 4-year; Trustees (2) 2-year terms · Caneadea: Councilman (to fill vacancy), 1-year term · Cuba: Justice (2) 4-year term · Friendship: Councilman (to fill vacancy), 1-year term · Grove: Councilman (to fill vacancy) 3-year term · Hume: Town clerk/collector (to fill vacancy) · Independence: Justice, 4-year term · Rushford: Justice, 4-year term · Village of Wellsville: Mayor, 4-year term; Trustee (2) 4-year terms, Justice, 4-year term · West Almond: Clerk (to fill vacancy), 1-year term
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A: Plan on extra time on Election Day. The Presidential Election always has a higher voter turnout. This year we also have our Inspector cleaning between each voter to ensure the safety of our Allegany County Voters so there will be delays. Please be patient & remember the Inspectors did not make the rules they are just doing their
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