Comptroller

Candor, New York (WNY News Now) In a statement, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and the New York State Police said that former Village of Candor Mayor Eric Halstead has entered a guilty plea to the theft of more than $23,000 in public monies. As mayor from 2012 until his resignation in July 2024, Halstead embezzled money from the village's bank account for his own use while claiming it was an ATM withdrawal or the mayor's discretion. While working on the village's yearly financial reports, an outside consultant found evidence of the thefts, which occurred between February 2017 and May 2023. After the consultant identified questionable transactions, DiNapoli's office launched an investigation. Investigation findings showed that Halstead took out a total of $23,519, frequent...

(WNY News Now) In November 2024, local sales tax collections in New York State increased by 3%, or $53 million, over the same time the previous year. The boost was primarily driven by New York City. New York According to figures released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, local sales tax collections in New York state rose by 3% in November as compared to the same month in 2023. New York City accounted for 61.5% of the rise in local collections, which came to $1.86 billion for the month, up $53 million from the previous year. According to DiNapoli, local sales tax rise in November was somewhat higher than the 1.9% increase thus far this year. The majority of the statewide rise can be attributed to New York City's collections, which continue to propel expansion. However, whe...

(WNY News Now) Comptroller DiNapoli's office is empowered by a historic statute passed by Governor Hochul to expedite the return of unclaimed monies under $250, putting money back into New Yorkers' pockets more quickly than before.Following the Governor's signing of legislation allowing the Office of the State Comptroller to accelerate some unclaimed funds payouts of $250 or less, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released the following statement on Monday.The measure, which was proposed by DiNapoli's office, amends the Abandoned Property Law to allow the State Comptroller to oversee a recently created expedited payment program. This program does away with the requirement that individuals and organizations submit a valid claim for abandoned property valued at $250 or less. As...

(WNY News Now) The projected budget for Lockport for 2025 is being examined, and the main conclusions point to areas for adjustment and economic discipline.Lockport, New York The accuracy and viability of the City of Lockport's planned 2025 budget have been examined. Significant revenue and expenditure predictions seem feasible, according to the independent assessment of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, indicating that the city is on a stable financial path heading into the upcoming fiscal year.The study states that suggested overtime allocations for 2025 are deemed appropriate and that the city's fire department is expected to adhere to its 2024 overtime budget. In October 2024, the Common Council made a significant change by amending the 2024 budget to include $156,073 ...

(WNY News Now) According to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, local sales tax receipts in New York state increased by 2.3% in October to $1.84 billion, representing a $41 million gain from the previous year.The total amount collected from municipal sales taxes in October in New York State was $1.84 billion, a 2.3% increase over the same month the previous year. After a month of inactivity in September, this expansion—which was mostly driven by New York City—has given a more positive perspective.State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli noted that the increase was mostly attributable to New York City's performance, which saw a 4.1% increase in collections, or an extra $33 million for the city. In particular, New York City's $842 million in revenues made a substantial contribution to the st...

(WNY News Now) – Local sales tax collections showed a modest 1.4% increase in the third quarter, reflecting the slowest growth rate since the pandemic’s economic rebound, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli reported today.New York – Local government sales tax collections totaled $5.98 billion in the third calendar quarter (July-September) of 2024, an increase of 1.4%, or $82.7 million, compared to the same quarter last year, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Eight of the ten regions in the state, including New York City, saw collections rise.“Local sales tax collections are growing more slowly than they were in the pre-pandemic period,” DiNapoli said. “Given this lower year-over-year growth, local officials should temper their expectations for f...