SALES TAX RECIPIENTS CONTINUE TO GROW

JACKSON - The increase in Cape Girardeau County's sales tax receipts over last year is continuing to rise, but County Auditor H. Weldon Macke believes the true test will come in the next few months when the impact of the extended flooding could be felt.

For the first eight months of this year, receipts from the county's half-cent sales tax have totaled $2,144,373, which is running 7.19 percent ahead of the same time last year. The county's check for August was $143,739, 12.9 percent over August 1992.

Last year, the county showed a 5.08 percent growth over 1991, receiving about $3.2 million in revenue.

Macke said the signs continue to look good; however, he warns that the period of flooding could have a negative impact on future sales tax checks.

"That certainly could make a difference and we could see a nose dive the next few months," said Macke. "It's really hard to tell for sure at this point."

Macke said the flooding conditions kept some people from coming to Cape Girardeau to shop and also will limit the ability of some people to make purchases.

Said Macke: "Some people couldn't get to work, some couldn't get to buy, and some don't have anything to buy with. This may make a significant difference."

He added, "By next month we should really have a good indicator because that includes the receipts of those who pay quarterly and will cover the month of July."

Regardless of the flood's impact, Macke said it is likely that the county will show a growth in sales tax revenue for the year. The county has had growth in sales tax receipts every year since it began in 1981. However, in 1991, the rate of growth was just .28 percent.