Corsicana —
Sales tax receipts for January are up in Navarro County, overall, a reflection of Corsicana’s continuing growth in sales, but some of the smaller towns in the county aren’t doing as well.
Kerens, which had a year-long streak of increases, saw a small decline in November, of about 9 percent, according to information from the Texas Comptroller’s office.
“Last year we were up a whole bunch and it was basically one business here in town doing some out-of-town stuff,” explained City Secretary Cindy Scott. That particular contract boosted the city’s income for about two years, but that contract has since expired and things are back to normal in Kerens.
“We knew it was going to be temporary,” Scott said. “We’re still actually up over our average, over the last few years’ average, if you discount last year’s phenomenal growth.”
Also seeing a decline is the City of Richland, which saw another decline this month, by 26 percent. For the calendar year 2012, Richland’s sales taxes were down 12 percent overall. It’s unclear what’s causing the drop, said City Secretary Sharon Settlemyer.
“We only have two businesses here in Richland that pay sales taxes, so I’m guessing a big chunk of it is liquor sales,” she said. “Streetman now sells alcohol, so they don’t have to run over here to get it. Hopefully, sales will pick up.”
Actually, all of Freestone County is now open for beer and wine sales, not just Streetman, although not all stores have jumped through the hoops to do so. Freestone voters approved the measure in November’s general election, and sales began in December. Those sales wouldn’t be in this month’s sales tax allocation from the state, however, since the January allocation only reflects sales made in November.
Corsicana’s sales remain up, as they were for last year, compared to the previous year. This is in keeping with the state sales tax averages, which are also up. Statewide, sales tax revenues for November sales are up 6.56 percent, according to the comptroller’s figures. Corsicana’s sales figures for this month are up 9 percent.
“We’re very, very pleased,” said City Manager Connie Standridge. “It’s a generally positive economy. I can tell you that local stores seem to be doing more business, and I believe it’s a combination of more people shopping locally and the improved economy.”
—————
Janet Jacobs may be reached via e-mail at jjacobs@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “sound off” to this article? E-mail: Soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
Latest News
Related Photos
-
1-17 tax chart.jpg
Discussion
Sales taxes up again
- Latest News
-
-
Lifetime Memories: Special Prom supplies smiles, excitement for all
Bright smiles and nervous excitement are standard at every prom, but there were more than a few reasons Friday’s “Special Prom” at Corsicana High School was extra special.
For three hours, the area that usually serves as the Calico dance rehearsal studio was transformed into a black and red masquerade-themed wonderland for the school’s first prom for about 40 of its special education students. -
Memorial Day ceremonies planned
Two ceremonies are planned locally to commemorate the Memorial Day observance on Monday.
-
Perry mum on special session talk
AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry wouldn't say Friday whether there is too much unfinished business at the Texas Legislature to adjourn next week as scheduled. His record the last 13 years says lawmakers aren't going anywhere.
-
Local Beat 5/25/13
A listing of meetings and events of interest from throughout Navarro County.
-
‘Energy Star’ purchases tax free Saturday to Monday
The spring tax break doesn’t get as much fanfare as the fall back-to-school sales tax holiday, but it can be the better bargain.This weekend, from Saturday through Monday night, people buying energy efficient appliances and air conditioners don’t have to pay the additional 8.25 percent sales tax
-
Jim Collins scholarships awarded to 47 CHS graduates
As Corsicana High School seniors prepare for graduation in two weeks, celebrations have been plenty.
This week, 47 Corsicana High School seniors found another reason to celebrate success — they were named Collins Scholarship recipients. -
VOICE luncheon, style show brings fashions and funnies
When it comes to red carpet fashion, comedienne Joan Rivers is one of the more well-known, self-appointed authorities, and she had plenty to say during Thursday’s 9th Annual VOICE, Inc., Spring Luncheon and Style Show.
More than 100 people attended the annual fundraising event at the Cook Center, which featured local models showing off fashions from area retailers while the show’s emcee, Ellie Weingardt, delivered witty commentary as a Rivers impersonator. -
Grand Jury: Houston area rapper indicted locally on drug charges
A multi-platinum selling rap artist from Houston was indicted Thursday by the Navarro County Grand Jury during its May panel. Wesley Eric Weston, known professionally as “Lil’ Flip,” was indicted on charges of possession of a controlled substance over 400 grams. Weston and another man, Dematrius Delane Richardson, were arrested by DPS troopers Oct. 18, 2012
-
Local Beat 5/24/13
A listing of meetings and events of interest from throughout Navarro County
-
Fire Marshal's Office: Panel had blast site access
AUSTIN — The Texas State Fire Marshal's Office says a federal safety panel's investigators had access to the site of the West fertilizer plant blast that killed 15 people and injured about 200 others.
- More Latest News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
