Chautauqua County sales tax collections have increased 4.96 percent in the first half of 2018 compared to the same time in 2017.

Sales tax collections in the first six months of 2017 were $30,533,194, according to a report from the state Comptroller’s Office, while 2018’s collections are $32,046,452 from January to June.

Statewide, through June, local collections totaled $8.5 billion compared to $8 billion during the same period last year. It is the highest half-year increase in the state since 2010 and the fourth consecutive period of strengthening collections. By comparison, growth during the first half of 2017 was 3.3 percent and during the first six months of 2016 it was 1.7 percent.

“Local sales tax growth is showing sustained improvement across much of the state,” DiNapoli said. “The upcoming back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons may bolster what has already been a strong start to 2018. But as history has proven, sales tax can be an unpredictable revenue source for our local governments. I urge municipal officials to be cautious if planning for future growth.”

Across New York, economic factors that may have impacted collections include continued low unemployment, high consumer confidence and rising inflation. Another major influence affecting sales tax collections at the local level, especially in upstate regions, is the amount generated from the sale of motor fuel. The motor fuel sales tax component increased by 13.9 percent from the first half of 2017, marking the third consecutive half-year increase.