Sales tax income continues to surpass expectations

When Imperial’s city sales tax of 1% began in early 2007, projections given to city officials from the NE Department of Revenue projected annual sales tax receipts of $275,000. That was a modest projection, for sure, and the first full year of sales tax income proved that to be the case. The year between April 2007 and April 2008 brought in $322.411.
    Now, take a look at what the year 2022 brought in from city sales tax—$556,415, more than double the annual projections made 15 years ago. That’s quite an increase.
    The first full month of city sales tax in April 2007 was $20,199.40. Last August, which holds the highest monthly record, saw $54,581.45 deposited. Comparing month-to-month, April 2022 realized $35,570.622.
    Certainly, price increases, especially the past two years, account for some of the increasing sales tax receipts, in addition to the fact online sellers are now submitting sales tax on their sales.
    Imperial has been able to complete some projects that may not have happened without the sales tax receipts that come back to the city. The city’s bond payments for the Imperial pool are being paid by sales tax dollars. Purchase of the former Harchelroad’s property that now houses the fire hall was supported with sales tax month. There are many, many other projects, like the Chase County Veterans Memorial, that have received sales tax funds.
    Hopefully, with more than half a million dollars received each year, city residents will get involved more in promoting and keeping an eye on where it’s going. One request for funding came last month to support the upcoming Junior Legion Baseball State Tournament in Imperial this July, which could bring 500-600 people to town. As council president Doug Gaswick said, events such as the tournament are what the sales tax was meant for. I totally agree.