Reports

Investment in capital assets – roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, school buildings and other infrastructure – is essential to New York’s economy and its quality of life.

The State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2014-15 Executive Budget holds the promise that New York State can achieve ongoing budgetary balance after decades of nearly continuous structural gaps.

This report summarizes findings from the Fiscal Stress Monitoring System using 2013 data for villages with fiscal years ending in February through May. Statewide, 3 percent of villages are experiencing fiscal stress. Downstate villages are more likely than upstate villages to experience fiscal stress. The report notes that some of the environmental factors thought to drive fiscal stress differ between downstate and upstate villages.

This is the third annual report by the Office of the State Comptroller on overtime use by New York State agencies. It covers overtime patterns over the past seven years.

All Governmental Funds tax collections through the third quarter of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2013-14 were $534 million lower than projected in the most recent update to the SFY 2013-14 Enacted Budget Financial Plan released in November 2013.

This report summarizes findings from the first set of fiscal stress scores to be released for school districts. Statewide, 12.9 percent of school districts are in some level of fiscal stress. Within the report, common fiscal and environmental factors are highlighted along with differences for school districts of varying need/resource capacity.

Like many other "Rust Belt" cities, Buffalo suffered a decline as transportation patterns shifted and manufacturing facilities shut down. However, Buffalo still benefits from its location on the Canadian border and the City, with State and private sector support, has recently made significant efforts to promote new development.

Tax “check-off” programs provide a means for taxpayers to make voluntary contributions for various causes as part of their federal and State income tax filings simply by marking an appropriate box on their tax forms.

Recent audits of dual employment in six State entities found that managers and supervisors failed to monitor employee time and attendance. At every agency where auditors found employees who violated time and attendance policies, there were also supervisors and managers who didn’t know where their employees were or who allowed employees to misrepresent the hours worked.

On November 21, 2013, the City of New York revised its four-year financial plan (the “November Plan”) to reflect a number of favorable developments since the FY 2014 budget was adopted in June 2013. The City now forecasts that revenues will be higher by $1.1 billion in FY 2014 (mostly from nonrecurring sources), debt service will be lower during the entire financial plan period, and recurring savings will come from a one-year freeze in employee health insurance premiums in FY 2015.

The full value of property in White Plains dropped by 29 percent between 2008 and 2013, after more than doubling from 2002 to 2008. While cities statewide show slight recovery, White Plains may find dealing with the loss of so much property value a challenge in the future.

Rye has strong public and private services, including an excellent school system, a vital retail shopping sector and recreational facilities that include parks, beaches, golf and yacht clubs, and nature centers.

This Report on Estimated Receipts and Disbursements for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2013-14 through SFY 2015-16, issued pursuant to Section 23 of the State Finance Law (as amended by Chapter 1 of the Laws of 2007), is intended to enhance analysis and discussion of the State’s economic condition and the State Budget.

Midway through State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2013-14, overall tax collections are slightly below the latest Division of the Budget (DOB) projections included in the First Quarter Update to the SFY 2013-14 Enacted Budget Financial Plan.

In 2012, the full market value of all real property in New York State was estimated at $2.5 trillion dollars with about $826 billion exempt from one or more types of taxes. This report explores what tax exemptions are, where they are most prevalent, and what local governments may do to minimize their impact. 

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the New York State and Local Retirement System (the System or NYSLRS) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

New York State has had a long history of structural budgetary imbalance and multibillion dollar out-year deficits. However, progress toward long-term budget balance has been made over the last three years.

This report summarizes the findings for all of the calendar year-based local governments which have been scored to date, focusing on common themes and statewide trends.

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the State of New York for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

Despite its strong tax base, the Town of Colonie has struggled financially in the past decade. However, between a series of property tax increases, including a one-time tax in 2009, and an arrangement to have a private contractor operate the Town’s landfill, Colonie experienced a stronger financial position at the end of 2011 than it had seen since 2002.