Sales tax still down in northwest Arkansas

Sales tax revenue deliveries were down this month in three of the four major cities across northwest Arkansas compared to the same period last year.

Deliveries were down a few points in Fayetteville and Rogers, while Bentonville saw a major decrease of 29 percent. Springdale, however, saw a slight gain.

Fayetteville received $1,325,512 for a 6.9 percent decrease over last year, a difference of $98,960.

Rogers collected $1,037,374, a $32,785 decrease over last year when the city received $1,070,159.

Springdale received $813,815 for a 3.8 percent increase over last year, a difference of $29,562.

Bentonville collected $762,246, a $315,931 decrease over last year when the city received $1,078,177.

Each city collects a 2 percent sales tax. One percent goes into a general fund. The other 1 percent goes toward repayment of bonds. The numbers reported by the Fayetteville Flyer represent the 1 percent going into general funds.

Sales tax revenue delivered in March reflects January sales tax collected in February.

January 2014 Sales Tax Revenue (delivered in March)

CityJanuary 2013January 2014Change
Fayetteville$1,424,472$1,325,512-6.9%
Rogers$1,070,159$1,037,374-3.1%
Springdale$784,254$813,815+3.8%
Bentonville$1,078,177$762,246-29.3%

Source: Staff report