State February Revenue Collections Over $2 Billion

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BOSTON, Mass. — Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder today announced that preliminary revenue collections for February totaled $2.007 billion, $27 million or 1.3 percent more than actual collections in February 2023, but $11 million or 0.6 percent below benchmark.
 
FY2024 year-to-date collections totaled approximately $23.467 billion, which is $186 million or 0.8 percent less than collections in the same period of FY2023, and $275 million or 1.2 percent less than the year-to-date benchmark.
 
"February collections increased in income tax withholding and corporate and business tax in comparison to February 2023," said Commissioner Snyder. "These increases were partially offset by decreases in non-withheld income tax, and 'all other' tax. The increase in withholding was due, in part, to payments related to mergers and acquisition activities. The increase in corporate and business tax was due to an increase in corporate estimated and return payments. The decrease in non-withheld income tax was driven by an unfavorable increase in income tax refunds. The decrease in ‘all other' tax is mostly attributable to a decrease in estate tax, a category that tends to fluctuate, but was partially offset by an increase in division of insurance tax."
 
February has historically been the lowest month for revenue, contributing, on average, less than 6 percent of annual collections. Neither individual nor business taxpayers are required to make estimated payments during the month. February is also the month in which refunds reach substantial levels as the income tax filing season begins. 
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New Pittsfield City Council, School Committee Meets

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The new City Council and School Committee met for the first time last week, and were met with some hope from the public. 

The council is largely the same as the last term, with Cameron Cunningham now representing Ward 2 and Kathy Moody Ward 7. On the other hand, the School Committee is all new aside from longtime member Daniel Elias. 

Resident Paul Gregory, a regular at public comment, told the council, "I stand here tonight, I'm excited. I'm not complaining." Gregory said that with challenges come opportunities, and he is confident that the elected officials are up for it. 

"I'm really, really looking forward to the leadership and the roles that each of you will play in order to bring out the best that Pittsfield is and can be," he said. 

"We need to stress our values as a city. We need to recognize and identify why people should live in this city and what opportunities there are both for entertainment, for employment, and for activities." 

Councilor at Large Earl Persip III was elected council president during the inauguration ceremony earlier this month, and Mayor Peter Marchetti was elected to chair the School Committee. During the committee's meeting on Wednesday, Marchetti noted that this would be the last time "communication by the chair" will be placed on the agenda because he will deliver comments as other members do. 

United Educators of Pittsfield President Jeanne Lemmond, also offered well wishes to the School Committee. 

"It's going to be an interesting time working with so many new faces, and the UEP is looking forward to a very positive working relationship with you as we go into negotiations and any other business that we bring forward to you," she said. 

Gregory, who also addressed the School Committee, hopes they work collaboratively to support each other, especially with the district's "ambitious" efforts to restructure the middle school levels and build a new school in the West Side. 

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