Video: Tupelo Continues Collecting Record Setting Sales Tax Revenues

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – For employees at the “FarmHouse,” there’s hardly any down time.

“Business has been great, we’ve seen a huge flow of new customers,” said Kim Crausby, who designs a line of couture jewelry,

exclusive to the downtown Tupelo boutique, and also works at the popular business.

She says business has been on a steady upswing ever since doors were opened three years ago.

“Things have definitely improved, they have picked up, we have had some really strong sales, even during the week, not just weekends, which is a plus,” Crausby said.

Shoppers were spending money at stores across the city, according to the latest sales tax report. In fact, sales tax receipts are up 6 . 11 percent over the same time last year. That means the city of Tupelo starts the fiscal year nearly $96,000  in receipts over projections.

For City Clerk and Chief Financial Officer Kim Hanna, the numbers, which represent sales made in August, are a great way to start the new fiscal year.

“That is good news, we’re excited, we see a lot of building going on, a lot of activity in Tupelo , and we had back to school shopping going on in August, we have seen some good numbers and we hope this trend continues,” Hanna said.

Revenue from the seven percent sales tax goes into the city’s general fund. But Hanna says it’s too early to tell how the better than anticipated receipts will be put to use.

“I tend to look at everything a little more conservative than some, so this is just the first month out and I’m going to reserve, how we will finish, I will reserve that till probably May or June,” Hanna said.

Retail sales are expected to remain strong, as the Christmas shopping season is upon us. That will be another boost to sales tax revenue.

Last year was the first year the city of Tupelo generated more than 20 million dollars in sales tax receipts.