(The Chenango County Office Building in Norwich.) ES file photo

CHENANGO COUNTY - County officials are optimistic about increased retailer spending that’s proving to be a boon for their upcoming budget season.

According to the Chenango County Treasurer’s Office, local sales tax collections were up nearly 22 percent from January to May - a good sign that consumers are spending more confidently as the pandemic wanes.

Sales tax collections across the state are up significantly in the first two quarters, even from pre-pandemic numbers. The New York State Comptroller’s Office reports local sales tax collections in May increased by nearly 58 percent statewide over the same month in 2020, making it the highest one-month increase in recent history. Collections in New York are up $530 million from May of last year and up $93 million from May of 2019.

In Chenango County, Treasurer William Craine attributes the increase of local sales tax collections to four things: residents making more home improvements, increased consumer spending locally, escalating gas prices, and a growing amount of tax collections from online retailers.

The biggest asset, according to Craine, has been consumer spending in the automotive category.