Expects revenue loss
Supervisor says he doesn’t anticipate layoffs or furloughs
Sales tax revenue decline puts strain on Bethlehem
The town of Bethlehem could see a decline in sales tax revenue two to three times worse than the one in the 2008 Great Recession if the economic slowdown from COVID-19 persists.
During a new state of the town report, special to the pandemic, Town Supervisor David Vanluven said sales revenues were strong in January and February, but down about $150,000 in March.
However, he said he does not anticipate any layoffs or furloughs for town employees. He said the reason for this is because the town budgeted conservatively for 2020 and has been building its reserves.
The town also never recouped its full staff since 2009 and has been running on a skeletal workforce since then, he said.
Despite the financial strain the virus has put on the town, the number of positive cases seem to be steadily decreasing, Vanluven said. That peaked in April. Cases have declined through May, with 13 residents in mandatory quarantine May 21, two of whom are hospitalized.
He said he believes the low number of infections are because people are effectively practicing social distancing.
“My daughters are tired of them. My neighbors are tired of them. I’m tired of them, but we must keep our masks on and our distance from each other,” Vanluven said.
Other announcements include Elm Avenue Park pool complex’s indefinite closing. Town-run full-day summer camps will be canceled. However, the parks and tennis courts will remain open.