Sales tax collections on the local level in October increased by 12.9% compared to the same time period a year ago, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli on Friday announced. 

Revenue from all local governments reached more than $1.5 billion, an increase of $175 million from October 2020. 

It's an indication the economic recovery in New York hasn't slowed and buying was strong into the fall as the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues. 

“Sales tax collections came in strong in October, boosting local revenues,” DiNapoli said. “The consistent growth over the last few months is a positive sign of our economic recovery and life moving forward as we deal with the ongoing reality of COVID-19.”

Nearly every county saw year-over-year increases in their sales tax collections in October by double digit percentages. Monroe County recorded the largest increased at 37%, according to DiNapoli's report.