ALBANY COUNTY — After a marked decline in sales tax in 2020, due to the pandemic shutdowns, local government sales tax collections continue to rebound.

The increase this July was 21.2 percent over the same month in 2020, according to a report released this week by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. This is the fourth month in a row that collections topped the 2020 numbers.

Albany County saw a 23.7 percent increase, going from $19,954,544 in July 2020 to $24,680,378 in July this year.

Statewide, collections totaled close to $1.6 billion, up $276 million from July of last year.

“Last month’s impressive sales tax performance reflects this year’s strengthening economy and positive jobs numbers,” DiNapoli said in a statement, releasing his report. “Overall collections around this time last year were severely weakened by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He went on, “However, with recent increases in infection rates occurring across the state, local officials must continue to monitor changing economic conditions and maintain vigilance when it comes to their finances.”

Collections this past July were strong even by comparison with pre-pandemic 2019, growing 11.2 percent, or $159 million, over July of that year.

New York City’s tax rebound trailed elsewhere in the state with collections totaling $649 million, an increase of 14.2 percent or $81 million compared to July 2020.

Every county outside of New York City also saw year-over-year collections for July grow by double digits, ranging from 17.3 percent in Lewis County to 35.7 percent in Wayne County.