Barry County cities and county governments saw an overall dip in September sales tax figures compared to 2021, although five of the seven cities saw increases.
It was the third comparative overall drop in the past five months. A closer look showed big drops for four recipients tipped the balance, suggesting the pandemic period surge in local sales may not yet have run out of steam.
The seven Barry County cities collecting sales tax received $869,743.46, down 4 percent when comparing the same taxes gathered a year ago. Except for Monett and Wheaton, all saw increases.
Cassville’s 1 percent sales tax for its general fund generated $116,724.95, up $1,580.93 from a year ago, up for the third straight month. That pushed Cassville’s 2022 tally to $1,043,298.91, up 20 percent from a year ago.
Seligman’s 1 percent general fund tax produced $14,275.49, up $1,761.01 from last September. That broke a two-month slump for Seligman, down three of the last five months. Still, Seligman’s general fund sum for 2022 hit $106,322.33 after three quarters, up 1 percent for the year.
Washburn received $3,922.92 from its 1 percent general fund tax, up for the sixth consecutive month thanks to the new Dollar General store. For 2022, Washburn has received $25,870.47, up 18 percent from a year ago.
Exeter’s 1 percent tax yielded $3,700.89, the largest sum since August of 2021, up $2,206.72 from a year ago. After three quarters, Exeter’s general fund has received $22,575.23, up 23 percent from 2021.
Wheaton usually doesn’t carry the heft to tip monthly totals, but a year ago its general fund received $21,552, about four times the typical amount. This September the city’s 1 percent tax took in $5,103.79, down $26,655.82, and the city’s half-cent tax followed suit with a drop of $10,117.73. That left Wheaton’s general fund sum at $72,208.92 for the year, down 10 percent from a year ago.
Purdy’s 1 percent sales tax for its general fund yielded $6,314.93 in September, the fourth consecutive monthly increase, up $461.03 from a year ago. Three months into the current fiscal year, Purdy’s general fund has received $22,915.82, up more than $4,000 or 27 percent above last year’s pace.
For 2022, Purdy’s general fund collected $56,379.64, up 14 percent from this point in 2021.
Monett’s two sales taxes that total 1 percent generated $236,102.92 in September. It was the second highest September collection in the past 15 years, but down $9,446.80, or 4 percent, from a year ago, and down $19,000 from the September record in 2007. Halfway through the fiscal year, Monett’s general fund has collected $1,328,519.26, which was up $115,000 from a year ago.
In 2022, Monett’s sales tax receipts have dipped only three times. That brought the year’s total to $1,839,687.87, up 6 percent from 2021.
Barry County saw its two half-cent sales taxes for its general fund and road maintenance each generate $274,082, both up by more than $1,280. It was the third increase in five months, giving the county’s two general fund taxes, collected at .75 percent, a total of $2,606,888.40, a rise of 8 percent over last year.
The separate countywide tax supporting 911 and central dispatching service showed gains.
Barry County’s .375 percent sales tax generated $205,532.64, up $37,139.83 from a year ago, the third rise in five months. After three quarters, the tax has yielded $1,567,111.24, up 19 percent from a year ago.
