February city sales tax figure falls 10%

December sales in Clarendon took a hit based on figures released last week by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs

In making her office’s February allocations to cities across the state, Combs reported that the City of Clarendon would receive $35,885.17, a drop of 10.49 percent from the same period one year ago.

February allocations represent monthly sales made in December as well as sales by businesses that report tax on a quarterly or annual basis.

Clarendon had shown a growth in sales tax receipts of 6.60 percent last month with a January allocation of $26,006.04, but the slide in December sales now puts the city behind 4.02 percent for the calendar year.

The City of Hedley, which was down more than 44 percent last month, gained 13.84 percent this month with a rebate of $726.68 but remains 13.76 percent down for the year-to-date.

Howardwick is up 38.49 percent at $1,419.12 for this month compared to a year ago and is running 7.3 percent ahead for the year.

Statewide, Combs said the state sales tax revenue in January was $2 billion, up 9.5 percent compared to January 2011.

“Sales tax revenue continues to grow in almost all major economic categories and revenue has now increased for 22 consecutive months,” Combs said. “The recent monthly increase was led by the oil and natural gas-related sectors. Restaurants and services sectors also showed significant gains.”

Cities across the state received $470.1 million, an increase of 6.7 percent compared to one year ago.

For details of February sales tax allocations to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts, locate the Monthly Sales Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/compsum.html.