Recently, I sent you information about the Albany County budget.  The document presented a breakdown of county government spending by percent for various government functions.  Below, I have provided additional details for particular categories. 

 

Distribution of Sales Tax:  Sales tax revenue is divided between the state, county, and municipal governments in New York.  One half of the sales tax revenue collected in Albany County is divided between the county government and all city, town and village governments. 

 

Of that one half, 60% goes to the county government while 40% goes to the cities, towns and villages within the county.  The county government distributes the 40% share of the revenue to the city, town and village governments, which is why the figure is included in the budget.  This distribution equals 16.64% of the county budget. 

 

The Town of Colonie's share of the sales tax in 2006 was $15,322,836, or approximately 20% of the total town operating funds in 2006. 

 

Public Saftey: This category includes the operating budgets of the Albany County Sheriff's Department, the Albany County Correctional Facility, and the Albany County Department of Probation. 

 

General Government: Includes the budget allocations for offices such as the County Executive, Comptroller, County Clerk, District Attorney, Public Defender, Division of Building Services, Court Administration, Board of Elections, and Human Resources. 

 

Undistributed:  This category includes reserve funds and debt service for certain responsibilities, which are not readily allocated. 

 

For more information, visit the following web page of the Albany County Department of Management and Budget:
http://www.albanycounty.com/_budget/_Budget2007.asp