According to the latest Ways and Means Committee meeting, the Orange County government in New York collected 17 percent more sales taxes than budgeted in the first quarter. 
Sales taxes are the county’s lifeline, accounting for nearly 45 percent of its estimated revenue. 
Nearly $394 million in sales taxes were budgeted for this year. 
The county’s sales taxes picked up quickly following the pandemic year 2020 and have consistently grown at a rate higher than expected. 
In 2021, the county collected $42 million more in sales taxes than estimated. 
Last year was even better, with annual receipts that were $57 million more than budgeted. 
Booming sales taxes contributed to a property tax levy reduction of over $7 million in this year’s budget. …