The Partial Observer by Cassandra Harrington

County Residents Save Big Bucks Thanks to Robust Visitor Economy

While Otsego County residents may feel a bit of the summer squeeze in grocery store aisles or a slight slowdown on the roads, there’s one big upside that’s easy to miss: fewer zeros on your tax bill. A fresh tourism impact report commissioned by I Love New York reveals a simple truth: Without the $352 million spent by visitors in Otsego County in 2023, every local household would be on the hook for an extra $1,835.00 in taxes just to keep local services humming.

It turns out, all those out-of-town adventurers snapping photos, eating out and hitting up the local shops are doing more than enjoying the scenery—they’re playing a major role in shielding Otsego County’s wallets. This isn’t just a fun fact; it’s a game-changer. As the region continues to see a rise in tourism dollars since the pre-pandemic days of 2019, it’s clear that the economic impact is more than just a boon—it’s a buffer against big tax bills.