New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced the fiscal health of the city of Binghamton. From 2001 to 2011, the city’s total revenue spiked at an average annual rate of 4.9 percent, according to figures released Thursday. That beats the state average of 3.4 percent. The city’s expenditures also increased, but by 3.6 percent over the 10-year period. That, again, beats the state average. The numbers weren’t all positive. The city’s unemployment rate is still higher than the statewide average, and the poverty rate among children is double the state’s average. Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan and DiNapoli said even though the numbers are mixed, the overall economic health of the city is headed in a positive direction. Ryan says one way to keep it that way is investing in information technology.
DiNapoli said this would continue the statewide trend. Ryan said more challenges lie ahead forthe city, and they can’t be ignored.
