CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY SALES TAX ON TRACK FOR BIG YEAR

JACKSON -- Although they are not quite sure what is causing it, Cape Girardeau County officials are hoping that double-digit increases from the half-cent sales tax will continue the rest of 1994 the way it has the first half.

"I guess business has just been good," said Auditor H. Weldon Macke, reporting an 11.2 percent increase over 1993 for the first six months of this year.

The June check, which reflects quarterly sales tax payments, was for $493,000, an increase of 13.4 percent over last June. It is the second highest check the county has ever received. The highest came in March and was for $510,000.

For the year, actual revenues are about $192,000 ahead of 1993, with $1,902,389 having come in.

For all of 1993, receipts totaled $3.45 million, which represented a 7.2 percent hike over 1992.

Macke said that based on his experience, what is collected during the first six months of the year is generally close to what will be taken in the second half.

"I don't expect any major economic downturn or anything out there that will alter what has been happening the first part of this year," Macke said.

Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep said he is pleased with the forecast, but also can't explain it.

"I just don't know what the reason is. Some merchants I have talked to are saying gloom and doom, but apparently a lot of money is being spent somewhere in Cape County," said Huckstep.