Sales tax first quarter totals down from 2018

    Imperial’s city sales tax proceeds for the first quarter of 2019 dropped considerably from the first quarter of 2018.
    Totals from January, February and March this year tallied $95,581, while for the same first quarter last year, the total reached $104,937.
    That’s a difference of more than $9,350. This year, both January and February were lower than last year, while March 2019 was actually up. However, the full first quarter total dropped the $9,350.
    Jason Tuller, the city’s Community Development Director,  said the ag economy right now is likely a big factor in the drop.
    Totals for the first quarter include $31,774.21 for January, $27,047.44 for February and $36,760.20 for March.
    December 2013 continues to hold the record for the largest sales tax income for a single month with $46,559.94.
    Imperial’s sales tax has been collected since 2009.
    Imperial’s city sales tax receipts each month are split 50/50 between economic development and community development projects. That split is made after the sales tax from motor vehicle sales is first deducted and placed in the city’s street fund as required by state law.
    Imperial adds 1 percent sales tax on eligible purchases. Added to the state’s 5.5 percent, that equals a 6.5 percent tax within the city limits.