Local

DiNapoli: Former Vernon Center Fire Department Treasurer Arrested for Stealing Over $300,000

A former Treasurer of the Vernon Center Fire Department was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $300,000 from the department, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and the New York State Police announced today. The defendant, Jonnell Rose, was charged with grand larceny in the second degree.

DiNapoli: Growth in Local Sales Tax Collections Slowed in 2024

Local government sales tax collections in New York state totaled $23.4 billion in calendar year 2024, an increase of 1.6% or $376 million from 2023, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This was the slowest annual growth seen since the COVID-19 pandemic decline in 2020, and was less than half of the average pre-pandemic growth rate (3.8%) of 2011 to 2019 following the Great Recession.

Fiscal Stress Monitoring System: School District Results for 2023-24

This report highlights Fiscal Stress Monitoring System (FSMS) results for school districts that reported for school fiscal year (SY) 2023-24, which ended on June 30, 2024. Of the 670 districts scored, 22, or 3.3 percent, received a fiscal stress designation. This is six more than in SY 2022-23. The report also includes a look at districts that have experienced chronic fiscal stress over the twelve years since FSMS began and a brief analysis of the system’s companion set of environmental indicators.

DiNapoli: 22 School Districts Designated in Fiscal Stress

Twenty-two school districts were designated in some level of fiscal stress under New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s Fiscal Stress Monitoring System for the school year (SY) ending June 30, 2024, up from 16 districts in fiscal stress the prior year. The low number of districts with stress designations largely reflects recent increases in state and federal aid.

DiNapoli, Erie County DA Keane and Erie County Sheriff Garcia Announce Former Deputy Clerk Sentenced for Stealing More Than $320,000

Former Deputy Erie County Clerk Alexander McDougall was sentenced today to 1 1/3 to 4 years in state prison and ordered to pay full restitution after pleading guilty to stealing over $320,000 in county funds, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane, and Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia announced.