2026 Budget and Sales Tax Projections
Summary
The county's outside auditor reported the county spent $11 million more than it took in last year, partly from a $5 million sales tax drop. Social services costs jumped over 50% in five years, and auditors warned the squeeze will continue — a key factor heading into next year's budget and likely property tax discussions.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
An $11 million general fund hit last year, with continued mandated cost growth likely to pressure next year's property tax levy.
Residents benefit from the county's strong financial reporting and stable fund balance now, though future budget choices could affect services and taxes.
Taxpayers could face pressure if mandated costs keep climbing while revenues flatten.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Management & Budget Committee — October 8, 2026
An extended debate over the county's fiscal trajectory: the proposed shift of anticipated sales tax revenue from $77.5 million to $70 million, the $11 million use of fund balance, health insurance renewals quoted at up to 35%, and calls to use actual revenue rather than optimistic projections. The County Manager is expected to file the budget by October 15.
Executive Committee — August 20, 2026
The county's outside auditor reported the county spent $11 million more than it took in last year, partly from a $5 million sales tax drop. Social services costs jumped over 50% in five years, and auditors warned the squeeze will continue — a key factor heading into next year's budget and likely property tax discussions.
Sullivan County Faces Steepest Sales Tax Decline in NY for First Half of 2026
Sullivan County Faces Steepest Sales Tax Decline in NY for First Half of 2026 Radio Catskill
Management & Budget Committee — July 16, 2026
Sales tax is running slightly below last year, and residents pressed lawmakers on how the county projects revenue. One commenter argued building activity and its out-of-county sales tax leakage deserve honest accounting in the budget.
Management & Budget Committee — June 11, 2026
The county is down $3.4 million in sales tax so far this year, and officials are investigating where the irregularities come from. Chair Brian McPhillips stressed the county is being transparent and holding spending in check through vacancy reviews.
Management & Budget Committee — May 14, 2026
Sales tax is down 16% from last year and could finish roughly $14.5 million under budget. Replacing that through property taxes would mean an increase of about 19-20%, so legislators are weighing budget cuts, revenue options, and a push to Albany for answers.
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