May 12, 2009                                                   

Weitzman says recent check shows sales tax continuing to decline

Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman said today that the County’s latest partial sales tax distribution check was $11.6 million for the month of March 2009, down 12.1% from last year’s check from the same time period, which translates into almost $1.6 million less in revenue in the County’s coffers. Since the start of 2009, the sales tax free fall has translated into a $29.1 million decrease, or 10.4% year to date.

From November 2008 to May 12, 2009, sales tax has declined 9%, or $52.8 million, compared to the same period last year.

Sales tax accounts for approximately 40% of the County’s budget.

See chart on next page