Sales tax revenue continues increase
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

Information from the Texas Comptroller indicates that the City of Bullard sales tax revenues have increased almost 67 percent as compared to this period in 2007 and increased 84.18 percent over 2007 year-to-date figures.

The reported revenue for Bullard in January is $ 1,599.50 up from 9,117.59 from last year. The figures represent receipts from January collections, because there is a two-month period before revenue is reported.

Bullard City Manager Larry Morgan is pleased with the figures, citing several contributing factors.

"While growth in Bullard has slowed, it's not come to a standstill," he said. "We issue building permits, if not daily, then on a weekly basis - both retail and housing."

Morgan said the building brings in construction workers who also contribute to the local economy.

But that's not the only factor.

"Our retail presence on U.S. Hwy. 69 has helped bring passers-by to town - to shop, eat and spend money," he said. "Sonic and Brookshire's are also major contributors to the revenue."

The 67 percent increase compares to the statewide average for Texas cities of 9.16 percent.

Last week, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced state sales tax revenue in February totaled $1.79 billion, up 8.8 percent compared to February 2007.

"For the first half of fiscal 2008, state sales tax collections are up 7.1 percent over fiscal 2007," Combs said. "Although growth is slower than the two previous fiscal years, increases in state sales tax revenues continue at a steady pace."

Combs delivered $436.1 million in March sales tax payments to Texas cities, counties, transit systems and special purpose taxing districts, a 9.9 percent increase compared to March 2007.

So far this calendar year, local sales tax allocations are up 7.1 percent compared to the first three months of 2007.

State sales tax revenue for February and March payments made to local governments primarily represent sales that occurred in January.

Comptroller Combs sent March sales tax payments of $293.2 million to Texas cities, up 9.2 percent compared to March 2007.

Calendar year-to-date, city sales tax allocations are running 6.8 percent higher than last year.

Texas counties received sales tax payments of $26.8 million, up 10.5 percent compared to one year ago.

Calendar year-to-date, county sales tax allocations are 7.2 percent higher than last year.

The 126 special purpose taxing districts around the state received $14.2 million in sales tax revenue, up 20.1 percent compared to last March.

Ten local transit systems received $101.7 million, up 10.6 percent.

The Comptroller's next sales tax allocation will be made on Friday, April 11.

BY THE NUMBERS