Sales tax revenue for Rogers soared this month, with Fayetteville and Springdale also showing increases over last year’s collections. Bentonville’s totals, however, took a tumble.
Sales tax revenue delivered in February reflects December sales tax collected in January.
Comparisons are based on collections from the same month in the previous year. Each city, with the exception of Bella Vista, collects a 2 percent sales tax. One percent of the tax is devoted to repaying bonds; the other 1 percent goes into each city’s general fund and is available for operations. For the purpose of this report, NWA Media tracks the 1 percent going into general funds.
By The Numbers
Sales Tax Revenue
City February 2012 February 2013 Percentage Change YTD 2012 YTD 2013
Bentonville $1,009,903 $936,369 -7.3 $1,616,104 $1,012,626
Rogers $1,305,100 $1,466,091 +12.3 $2,345,080 $2,559,229
Springdale $907,683 $916,049 +0.9 $1,700,791 $1,756,509
Fayetteville $1,661,248 $1,757,006 +5.8 $3,028,379 $3,208,572
Siloam Springs $260,293 $264,854 +1.8 $494,600 $471,858
Bella Vista $111,725 $110,853 -0.8 $209,990 $214,768
Lowell $164,244 $204,530 +24.5 $326,465 $392,855
Source: Staff Report
Rogers received $1,466,091 this month compared with $1,305,100 for the same period last year, an increase of $160,991 or 12.3 percent.
Sales tax revenue in Rogers surpassed the previous February record for the fourth consecutive year, records show.
The city began exceeding the $1 million mark in February 2007. Revenue dropped below $1 million in 2009 during the height of the recession, but rebounded to $1.1 million in 2010. Revenue climbed to $1.2 million in 2011 and to $1.3 million in 2012.
“We are thrilled with the steady rise in sales tax revenue. We broke our own record again this year and that’s the idea, to keep moving forward,” said Greg Hines, Rogers mayor.
Fayetteville sales tax revenue was up 5.8 percent compared to a year ago. The city received $1,757,006 this month compared with $1,661,248, an increase of $95,758.
Paul Becker, Fayetteville finance director, said the city’s sale tax revenue in February also increased in each of the past four years.
“I’m encouraged by the 5 percent increase over the previous year,” Becker said. “We had a very strong month. Sales tax collections in the state were down for the same period, but Northwest Arkansas seems to be doing fine.”
Springdale sales tax revenue was up $8,366, or 0.9 percent, this month compared to last year. The city received $916,049 this month compared with $907,683 in 2012.
“Better up than down,” said Laura Favorite, Springdale finance director. “We started the year off in the black so we are in good shape. We may not have been up much, but, as I said, at least we were up.”
Bentonville’s collections dropped 7.3 percent compared to last year. The city received $936,369 this month compared with $1,009,903, a decrease of $73,534.
Denise Land, Bentonville director of finance, wasn’t upset by the decrease.
“We had $1 million last year, that’s very unusual for us in February,” she said. “Actually, we budget for $750,000 in sales tax revenue per month. If you look at it that way, we are up nearly $200,000 over budget for the month. I take that any day.”