City Sales Tax Collections Remain Positive

TYLER � Information from the Texas Comptroller indicates that City of Tyler sales tax revenues deposited for the month of April have increased 1.8% compared to April 2010, resulting in a 3.23% cumulative year-to-date increase. Officials note that the current month increase was 2.89%; however, an out-of-period audit adjustment resulted in the 1.8% increase. The reported revenue of $2,437,669.36 comprises $1,625,112.91 general sales tax revenue and $812,556.45 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from February 2011 collections as there is a two-month lag before taxes are reported and remitted back to the City from the State.

�A year ago at this time we were experiencing a 9.32% decrease in revenues,� said City Manager Mark McDaniel. �To be holding steady at a more than 3 percent increase for the year-to-date is very comforting.� The City is already into its 2011-2012 budget preparation cycle. Individual departments are preparing budgets that will be submitted by mid-April, and the budget review will take place in May and June; the final proposed budget will be presented to the City Council in August. �We are entering this budget process with a very conservative approach,� said McDaniel. �We anticipate our recovery from the economic downturn will be incremental. Therefore, we will make every effort to hold the line on expenditures and will be seeking innovative ways to cut costs while maintaining quality service delivery.�