County sales tax revenue down from last year, on track to be higher for year

It's been a rollercoaster year for Cape Girardeau County's sales tax numbers, but county officials are hoping it ends on a high note.

Numbers early in the year didn't appear too promising, but a more robust summer has helped the county stay ahead of 2013 figures. The sales-tax revenue total for 2013 was more than $6.7 million and numbers for 2014 are expected to be slightly higher.

The monthly general sales tax revenue report for November, released Monday by the county treasurer's office, showed a small slip but still puts the county well on its way to surpassing last year's numbers.

A total of $493,787.21 in sales tax was collected during the time of the November report -- each monthly report reflects revenue collected several weeks before, not revenue collected in the actual month -- which was 2.38 percent lower than the amount of sales tax collected in the November 2013 report. Proposition 1 sales tax revenue for November also was down by slightly more than 2 percent. Both the general sales tax and Proposition 1 tax are half-cent taxes levied countywide, and they constitute the majority of Cape Girardeau County's tax income. The Proposition 1 sales tax supports the county sheriff's department and county roads.

Just a month earlier, in the October general sales tax report, the numbers told a much different story. Nearly $637,600 was brought in during that time period, which was more than 23 percent higher than the October 2013 report.

Cape Girardeau County Treasurer Roger Hudson has previously explained there's no simple explanation for the fluctuating revenue. Changes in consumer spending, timeliness of taxes being paid, a delay in state reimbursements or possibly a combination of the three could be major contributing factors.

Despite the slight decrease in the November report, Hudson is optimistic about the future. The county is still 4.26 percent ahead of last year, but won't know where it stands until the December report is complete.

Given the number of significant ups and downs the county has experienced this year, it's difficult to make an accurate prediction, but Hudson said he expects December's sales tax numbers will be higher compared to last year. It's been low the past two years, he said in an email, but historically has come in at $50,000 or higher.

Should the county maintain that 4 percent lead in sales tax revenue, it would mark one of the strongest years since 2011. That year, the amount of sales tax revenue collected by the county was up 4.08 percent. Since that time, numbers have continued to grow, but at a much smaller pace. Revenue was up by slightly more than 2 percent in 2012 and less than 1.5 percent in 2013.

So far this year, the county has reached $6,382,421.66 in general sales tax collection.

It's possible the county could reach $7 million in sales tax revenue for the first time, Hudson said in an email. That number would be consistent with the 4 percent.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, Mo.

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Cape Girardeau County 2014 general sales tax reports

• August

Current month: $439,351.64

Year to date: $4,597,339.06

• September

Current month: $653,700.60

Year to date: $5,251,039.66

• October

Current month: $637,594.79

Year to date: $5,888,634.45

• November

Current month: $493,787.21

Year to date: $6,382,421.66