City Sales Tax Collections Go Down

The City is awaiting detailed reports on this reporting period of sales tax generated in January 2017. However…

Sales tax collections from January were down 9.35 percent, or $200,697, compared to the same time last year.

Fiscal year-to-date sales taxes are flat compared to the same time last year.

“We continue to believe retail sales are down partially due to reduced foreign travel and purchases by these travelers,” said Heather Hurlbert, Finance Director. “We also had significant tax collections from the construction of the Amazon distribution center in the prior year, which increased our revenue during that period.”

In the prior reporting period of sales tax generated in December 2016, retail sales were down 9.9 percent which was partially offset by increases in accommodation and food (8.8 percent) and wholesalers (36 percent).

The City is awaiting detailed reports on this reporting period of sales tax generated in January 2017.