County Sales Tax Up From July Through September

Crawford County’s general revenue sales tax showed a year-over-year increase from July through September compared to 2017.

However, collection declined in August and September, the final two months before the sales tax increased. October was the first month of the new rate per the April 2018 vote. 

The rate will stay at its current level through 2023.

In July, the county saw nearly a 28 percent increase from 2017. Overall, the county took in $83,449.05 compared to last year’s $65,212.64.

August, which is traditionally the county’s strongest month for collection, saw a decrease from 2017. The county collected $140,226.20 in August 2017, but $133,451.57 this August. That represents nearly a 5 percent decline.

The county took in its lowest September total sine 2013, collecting $88,441.63. Last September, the county took in $94,079.62, a 6 percent decrease.

Through 2018, the county has collected $998,405.34. Overall, general revenue is up nearly 8 percent. 

Last year, the county had collected $938,966.31 through September. Total collection for the year was $1.1 million.

County officials are banking on April’s tax increase to significantly boost revenues and get the county out of its debt, which was estimated at $358,000 in January.

A general revenue audit was voted on by commissioners in September to determine the number. 

LEO/CI

The law enforcement and capital improvement taxes are two different levies. Like the general revenue tax, both went down in August and September. 

Through September, the county had collected $906.949.27 for law enforcement and $906.987.38 for capital improvements.