Cape Girardeau County sales tax receipts varying widely month to month

The Cape Girardeau County Commission said Thursday the county's 2011 sales taxes are on an unstable ride so far this year.

According to the sales tax comparison chart provided by the Cape Girardeau County treasurer's office, the January sales tax receipts were down 16.56 percent from January 2010. In February, receipts rose 21.83 percent over last year, and in March they dropped 19.65 percent compared to March 2010. April is up 20.86 percent from last year so far.

"It's really hard to run anything like that," said Paul Koeper, 1st District commissioner. "To know if you're on course, off course or where you're headed."

Cape Girardeau County Treasurer Roger L. Hudson said the unstable sales tax numbers are unusual. He said a steady growth of 3 to 3.5 percent increase is typical each year.

Ted Farnen, director of communications for the Misssouri Department of Revenue, said receipts can vary from month to month. Factors such as when merchants send their reports or bad weather can affect sales tax revenue distribution.

"Such unexpected events can affect all parts of the process, and it might be one reason for bigger swings in month-to-month statistics when compared to the past," he said.

Other business

• The commission approved passing along information to law enforcement and schools regarding the Community Oriented Policing Services Secure Our Schools 2011 grant program through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. The grant would provide funding to law enforcement agencies to assist with the development of school safety and provide improved security at schools. The application process will begin April 29.
• A Missouri State Operating Permit was received that authorizes land disturbance activities for Melaina's Magical Playland.
• Base flood elevations in Cape Girardeau County are considered final by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after a 90-day appeal period has ended. On Dec. 21, 2009, FEMA provided preliminary copies of the Flood Insurance Rate Map and Flood Insurance Study report that identified existing flood hazards in the county. The Flood Insurance Rate Map for the county will be effective Sept. 29.

* The Missouri Department of Transportation authorized Cape Girardeau County to advertise for bids on the County Road 422 bridge project. The project would replace the bridge over Caney Fork Creek.

* The Missouri Office of Homeland Security approved Cape Girardeau County's application for funding of $3,800 under the FY06/07 State Homeland Security Reallocation Grant. The grant funded the Intruder Awareness/Response for Faith-Based Personnel program, which took place April 2.

rrolwing@semissourian.com

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