In the Golden Triangle, sales tax collections are rising.
Columbus received more than $1.1 million in April from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. The check was for sales taxes generated in February 2016.
During the same period last year, sales tax in the city generated $778,798, according to state Department of Revenue.
The numbers represent continued growth for Columbus, which drew a record $9.3 million in sales tax revenue in Fiscal Year 2014-15.
“The last six months have been great for the city of Columbus’ sales tax receipts,” Mayor Robert Smith said. “We have seen strong growth when we compare these numbers to previous years.”
Smith said the city is thankful for all the businesses that have invested in Columbus.
According to the state Department of Revenue, retail trade businesses in Columbus generated the most sales tax of all sectors in February, with the total coming to approximately $2.6 million. The accommodation and food services sector was next, generating approximately $660,000 in sales tax in February.
In the same month last year, retail trade businesses in Columbus generated approximately $2.4 million in sales tax, while the accommodation and food services sector generated $667,000.
Starkville
Starkville drew $596,750 in April from February’s collections, according to the state Department of Revenue.
That total is up from last year’s $517,329.
According to the state Department of Revenue, retail trade businesses in Starkville generated the most sales tax of all sectors during the reporting period, with the total coming to approximately $1.6 million. The accommodation and food services sector was next, generating approximately $770,000 in sales tax.
During the same period last year, retail trade businesses in Starkville generated approximately $1.5 million in sales tax, while the accommodation and food services sector generated $702,000.
Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman said the city has enjoyed a strong year, and officials are hopeful that the trend will continue.
“The state of the local economy has been good and we’re continuing to see an influx of new retail, which does a couple of things to potentially increase sales tax numbers,” Wiseman said. “First, it keeps more money in the community, as people don’t have to leave the city for shopping opportunities. It also draws people in from other areas to purchase goods in Starkville.”
Continued sales tax growth helps Starkville provide better services, Wiseman said, as the revenue is distributed to the city’s general fund.
Wiseman also said it’s vital for residents in Starkville and similar cities to continue shopping and eating locally.
“It’s certainly important to raise awareness of the community benefits to shopping locally because the benefits are abundant,” Wiseman said. “Not only does it increase government revenue, but it also provides job opportunities and more convenient choices for our citizens.”
West Point
West Point received $196,352 in sales tax revenue in April, according to the state Department of Revenue. That is a modest increase from last April’s $195,749.
Since July, West Point has drawn $1.81 million in sales tax revenue. Last year, the city had drawn $1.75 million, according to the state Department of Revenue.
“We’re extremely pleased,” West Point Mayor Robbie Robinson said. “We’re not surprised, because we’ve had continuing growth each month. Once or twice in the past couple of years, there’s been a deficit, but overall it’s been very positive.
“All along I’ve attributed it to a positive attitude in the community because of the location of Yokohama and the burst of activity we’ve had on Highway 45,” Robinson added.
Alex Holloway was formerly a reporter with The Dispatch.
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