Starkville’s sales tax collections continued an upward historical trend in Fiscal Year 2014-2015, averaging more than $500,000 per month for the first time in the city’s history.
Sales tax records released by the city show Starkville collected about $6.16 million in general sales taxes – the largest amount on record – from October 2014 to September 2015, or FY 2014-2015, exceeding FY 2013-2014’s $5.96 million.
Its monthly average, approximately $513,102, also eclipsed last fiscal year’s monthly average of $496,154.12.
Starkville collected $6.06 million from January to December 2014, the most ever in a traditional calendar year. The city is closing in on that mark this year, as it has reported $4.58 million in nine months and is averaging $3,000 more each month than it did in 2014.
Year-to-date 2 percent food and beverage tax distributions, according to the city documents, added an additional $1.76 million to the coffers.
Those taxes are split between Starkville Parks and Recreation (40 percent), Mississippi State University student groups (20 percent), economic development (15 percent) and tourism initiatives (15 percent), while 10 percent returns to the city.
Another 2 percent stream, Starkville’s hotel tax, generated $279,342.35 in the last fiscal year.
Officials say Starkville’s growing economy — evident in continued commercial and residential developments — and a successful 2014 MSU football season helped push tax collections into record territory.
Additional monies will support tourism initiatives, which in turn cast a net for increased tax collection opportunities, said Greater Starkville Development Partnership Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Gregory.
A portion of the 2 percent returns are used for event planning and marketing by the Partnership.
“We’ve had a really good fall season. It was no doubt our biggest tourist season, and we’ve enjoyed packed hotels and restaurants consistently for the duration of this football season,” she said. “Bulldog Brunch and Browse has seen the most growth this year of any of our programs and events, which is more new money being pumped into our community. We’re also looking forward to a strong holiday season as we aim to capitalize on Egg Bowl crowds with our Black Friday Bonanza promotion.”
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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