Economic boost

The local economy, mirroring national trends, is showing some strength for year that's just ending. Cape Girardeau, Jackson and the county each reported more sales-tax revenue than had been expected.

Sales taxes are a good indicator of local retail activity.

Jackson city officials reported a 6 percent increase in sales-tax revenue, which is double what had been conservatively estimated.

Cape Girardeau and the county also reported higher sales-tax revenue than expected, but they hadn't budgeted for significant increases.

Cape Girardeau officials reported a 4 percent increase for the 2004 calendar year. After several years without any increases in sales tax revenue, the city hadn't budgeted for much of an increase this year either.

Officials said county sales-tax revenue was right on target for projections for the year. The county showed a 2.8 percent increase in 2003 and has projected 3 percent growth for 2005.

The national economy showed a 4 percent growth for the third quarter, according to the Commerce Department. The figure is higher than what had been forecast by government officials.

Ending the year on such a bright note is great for our area.