Sales tax revenue in three of the largest cities in Northwest Arkansas was up, but down sharply in Bentonville compared to last year.
Rogers had the largest percentage gain this month at 11.8 percent compared to the same period last year. The city received sales tax revenue of $1,250,032, a $131,965 increase over September 2013 of $1,118,067.
Springdale received $975,853 this month compared to $901,976 last year, an increase of $73,877 or 8.2 percent. A new Walmart Supercenter opened in Springdale last month, but sales tax revenue from the store won’t show up until November.
Fayetteville sales tax revenue was up 1.3 percent compared to last year. The city received $1,482,131 this month compared to $1,465,609 last September, a difference of $16,522.
Bentonville took the biggest hit in sales tax revnue. Revenue dropped $147,072 compared to last year. The city received $697,318 this month compared to $844,390 last year, a dip of 17.4 percent.
Sales tax revenue represents sales tax charged in July, collected in August and distributed to cities in September.
Each city, with the exception of Bella Vista, collects a 2 percent sales tax. One percent is devoted to repaying bonds. The other 1 percent goes into each city’s general fund. For the purpose of this report, NWA Media tracks the 1 percent going into general funds.