Published: May 12, 2008 03:04 pm            

Combs sends local governments sales tax checks

Parker County economic growth continues as state's receipts slide

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced the state collected $1.7 billion in sales tax revenue in April, down 1.8 percent compared to April 2007.

 

“This was a slight decrease compared to the dramatic growth seen in April 2007,” Combs said. “For the eight months of fiscal 2008 to date, state sales tax collections are up 6 percent compared to the previous year.”

 

As expected, the slower expansion of the Texas economy in 2008 is translating into sales tax growth below the double-digit pace of the past two years.

 

Combs said local governments will receive $554.4 million in May sales tax allocations, up 2.2 percent compared to May 2007.  So far this calendar year, sales tax allocations to cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts are up 5.4 percent compared to a year ago.



While much of the state is beginning to feel many of the same economic pressures facing the rest of the nation, the Weatherford area's economy is still in a growing cycle.



Weatherford's $773,000 rebate check represents less than a half-percent jump from last year's April amount. However, for the year, the Parker County seat's sales tax revenues are up 7.5 percent. For the year, Weatherford has taken in more than $3.6 million.



Also in an upward trend are Hudson Oaks and Willow Park. Hudson Oaks' $113,000 check for April shows an almost 8 percent jump from a year ago and adds up to a 13 percent boost for the year. Willow Park, with a 20 percent annual jump counting the $70,000 April check from Combs, carries the torch for the county's continued sales tax growth.



Springtown's $91,000 rebate is down from last year's $99,000 check. For the year, Springtown's receipts have fallen 7.5 percent. Aledo shows a boost of more than 17 percent for the year, but is down almost 4 percent from April 2007.

 

Comptroller Combs sent May sales tax allocations of $377.7 million to Texas cities, up 1.4 percent compared to May 2007.  Calendar year-to-date, city sales tax allocations are up 4.9 percent compared to the same period last year.  Texas counties received sales tax payments of $32.4 million, up 0.8 percent compared to one year ago. Calendar year-to-date, county sales tax allocations are 5.2 percent higher than last year. 

 

In addition, $18.6 million went to 127 special purpose taxing districts throughout the state, up 13.9 percent compared to last May.  Ten local transit systems received $125.5 million in sales tax allocations, up 3.4 percent compared to a year ago.

 

May’s sales tax allocations to local governments represent March sales that were reported to the Comptroller in April by monthly tax filers and January, February and March sales reported to the Comptroller in April by quarterly tax filers.

 

For details of May sales tax payments to individual cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose districts, locate the Monthly Sales and Use Tax Allocation Comparison Summary Reports on the Comptroller’s Web site at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/compsum.html.

 

The Comptroller’s next sales tax allocation will be made on Friday, June 13.

        

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