Local sales tax rebates decline as state’s rises

AUSTIN – Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn last week reported that state sales tax collections rose for the 17th consecutive month in January. The state collected $1.39 billion in sales tax revenue, up 6.1 percent compared to January 2004.

But the report wasn’t good news for three Donley County cities where collections are down this year.

The City of Clarendon’s sales tax rebate dropped 8.19 percent from this time last year to $25,414.25. Howardwick was down 29.3 percent to $798.44, and Hedley fell 11.6 percent to $557.97.

Statewide, Strayhorn returned $502.8 million in local sales tax to Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts, up 5.2 percent compared to sales tax distributions to local governments in February 2004.

“These numbers indicate that Texas’ recovering economy had a positive impact on holiday season sales,” Strayhorn said.

January state sales tax collections and February’s local sales tax allocations primarily represent sales made in December but also include some earlier sales by businesses that report sales tax to the state comptroller’s office on a quarterly or annual basis.
Hedley plans banquet for area senior citizens

Hedley School and the First Baptist Church of Hedley will host the annual Senior Citizens’ Honor Banquet Thursday, February 24, at the First Baptist Fellowship Hall.

All senior citizens from Donley, Hall, and Collingsworth Counties are welcome to attend.  There is no charge for the evening.

The meal will include brisket, green bean casserole, baked potato, dinner rolls, and dessert.  There will be door prizes given away, and the Hedley Choirs will sing for the evening’s entertainment.

No RSVP is necessary.  Senior citizens are encouraged to come and have a great evening in their honor.