Comptroller Combs reports increases in state and local sales tax revenues

Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced March 9 state sales tax revenue in February totaled $1.65 billion, up 7.0 percent compared to February 2006.

"Post-holiday sales indicate the Texas economy and our sales tax collections continue to grow, though not at the rapid pace we experienced a year ago," Combs said. "We will continue to closely monitor our state's economic indicators such as oil and gas, the Texas housing market and consumer spending."

Combs sent March sales tax payments of $268.6 million to Texas cities, up 5.1 percent compared to March 2006. Calendar year-to-date, city sales tax allocations are running 6.5 percent higher than last year. Texas counties received sales tax payments of $24.2 million, up 5.9 percent compared to one year ago. Calendarto date, county sales tax allocations are 7.6 percent higher than last year.

Locally, the cities of Brownsboro, Chandler and Murchison all experienced a decrease in their March 2007 tax payments compared to March 2006.

The city of Brownsboro received a payment of $7,574.84, down 2.68 percent from last March's rebate of $7,783.73. Calendar to-date payments are up 5.27 percent compared to the first three months in 2006.

Receiving a check for $25,966.65 was the city of Chandler, a 2.38 percent decrease compared to last March. This payment brings the city's calendar-to-date total to $99,783.94, a 4.41 percent increase compared to the same period in 2006.

The city of Murchison saw the largest deficit compared to one year ago, with a payment of $1,502.70. Calendar-to-date, city is down 36.35.

State sales tax revenue for February, and March payments made to local governments this month represents sales that occurred in January.

The Comptroller's next sales tax allocation will be made on Friday, April 13.

For a complete breakdown of local cities, please refer to the attached chart.