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Revenues on the rise in West Memphis

Revenues on the rise in West Memphis

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City sees tax numbers rise across the board in early 2019

news@theeveningtimes.com

West Memphis retail sales tax collection hit a rare trifecta during the first quarter of 2019. City Treasurer Frank Martin pointed out the results during an interview which included Southland collections and the tourism tax receipts.

Retail sales were up each of the first three months of the year.

“Since 2007, 13 years, we’ve only increased the first three months of the year over the previous year four times. I think that is pretty positive. It’s not a lot of money, but we are trending.”

The city sales tax collection amounted to $2,308,694. The receipts amounted to a half percent increase of $79,645.

The last three years sales tax has results were flat.

City Budget Commission Chairman Councilman Tracy Catt hoped the positive first quarter would be a good omen.

“This is the first month in a long time that all three months were an improvement,” said Catt. “Its a

“ This is the first month in a long time that all three months were an improvement… Its a modest increase but a good sign this early in the year.” —

West Memphis Budget Committee chairman Tracy Catt modest increase but a good sign this early in the year.”

The Tourism Tax started off down in January but rebounded in February with a single month growth of 20 percent. Like city sales tax, the A& P stood in the three percent increase range year to date.

Southland Casino Racing continued streaking during the first quarter. Live table gambling opened the day after the report closed providing an apples to apples comparison over last year.

Southland forked over $876,729 to the city during the first three months of 2019, up $54,300 year to date.

The improvement amounted to a six and a half percent increase.

Martin expected a boon from the expanded casino offerings to hit city coffers with the April 1 opening of live tables.

“They said they started with people two deep at the tables,” said Martin.

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