Brown County Cities See Increased Sales Tax Allocations for October 2015

Texas State Comptroller Glenn Hegar released sales tax allocation numbers for October which showed an increase in sales tax collections in Brown County cities of Brownwood, Early, Bangs and Blanket.  These increases were despite a 0.9% decrease in allocations statewide as compared to October of 2014.

The growth in allocations for Brownwood, Early, Bangs and Blanket keep Brown County cities in a positive growth pattern for the year to date numbers as well.  The largest increases in allocations were paid to Blanket and Bangs with increased allocations of 84.29% and 16.2% respectively.  Brownwood saw the largest dollar increase with a more than $40,500 increase from 2014.

Early City Administrator Tony Aaron was excited about the continued growth for his city, stating, “The overall health of our local economy has spurred consumer confidence, which in turn continues to improve our economic health.  There are seeing a flurry of activity locally that contributes to a positive attitude for positive growth.  Building is going on all over town, many of these locations will bring dozens of jobs to the Early market.  Others are bringing much need housing to fill the need of several socio-economic statuses.  I expect nothing less than continued sales tax collection increases throughout the remainder of this calendar year as our progressive growth encourages local consumer confidence.”

Hegar that sales tax revenue for the state in September was $2.2 billion, up 1.9 percent compared to September 2014.

“The modest growth in state sales tax revenue, in line with the Biennial Revenue Estimate issued in January, continues the trend of recent months,” Hegar said. “Stronger growth in collections from the retail trade, restaurant, services and construction sectors offset declines from the oil and gas-related industries.”

The sales tax figures represent monthly sales made in August by businesses that report tax monthly.