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Sales tax revenue down 4 percent overall in Shelby County, sluggish economy continues

New Texas State Comptroller Glen Hegar says that state sales tax revenue in December was $2.35 billion, up 4.3 percent compared to December 2013. However, those positive state-wide numbers were not reflective of Shelby County's sales tax revenues for last month collectively.

 

The five county entities that levy a sales tax had over a combined 3.5 percent decrease in the past year.

 

Center City Manager Chad Nehring says we're still seeing the effects of general economic sluggishness for the last few years.

 

Center's first payment of the New Year is down 4 percent to $231,378.10. Nehring said that amount will not impact budget projections. He added it's within $123 of this month's projection to meet budget. Nehring said it marks the third of four periods this fiscal year to date that have been down from the same period year, which is not unexpected, but not good news either.

 

Joaquin's sales tax revenue check is also down some 4 percent ($6,414.88), while Huxley is down 2 percent ($485.26).

 

On the other hand, Timpson is up 4.4 percent ($13,351.15) and Tenaha ($4,691.87) has a one percent increase.

 

Nehring said he was optimistic for February, which includes ALL holiday shopping.

 

"Hopefully the lower gas prices at the pump allowed more retail spending over the holiday and didn't encourage out-of-town travel that takes away from our local merchants. If local merchants benefit from savings at the gas pump, the local economy will improve."

 

Nehring said the message remains, "please shop local."

 

In San Augustine County, the city of San Augustine has a double-digit increase in sales tax revenue compared to a year ago, as their December payment is $22,700, up over 11 percent, and Broaddus is up almost 6 percent ($2,110.22).

 

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