City sales tax revenue off to a good start

Keene’s sales tax revenue started off the new year on a positive note.
The city received $28,995 in sales tax revenue in January, a 1 percent increase over the $28,714 it received in January 2011, according to figures released last week by Comptroller Susan Combs.
Sales tax allocations received in January represent sales recorded in November.
“We’re in good shape, we’re holding steady,” city administrator Bill Guinn said. “We’re $200 ahead of last year and that’s a good thing.”
Combs sent January sales tax allocations of $328 million to cities statewide, an increase of 8.3 percent over last year, her office said.
“Sales tax revenue continues to grow in almost all major economic categories and revenue has now increased for 21 consecutive months,” Combs said. “Sales taxes from retail trade and restaurant activity continue to improve, with tax revenue from the oil and natural gas sector also providing a lift to overall collections.”
Combs will send January sales tax allocations totaling $495 million to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts, up 9.1 percent compared to January 2011.
Most of Keene’s neighbors recorded a positive return for January.
Burleson is ahead of last year. Its sales tax revenue of $1,198,561 is 23 percent of January of 2011.
Cleburne is up 6 percent, Joshua is up 27 percent, and Grandview is up 35 percent.
On the other hand, Alvarado recorded a 7 percent decrease from the sales tax revenue it received in January 2011.
Rio Vista is down 11 percent and Venus is down 2 percent.
The February sales tax revenue allocations will be announced Feb. 8, Combs office said.