HOLLISTER
The City of Hollister’s sales tax revenue from the third quarter was down 8.1 percent compared with the same period a year ago, according to an update released today.
Gross sales in the third quarter were at $892,435 – amounting to the 7 percent decrease from last year, according to the report. But the update from the city also points to actual sales being down a total of 8.1 percent when reporting abberations – such as late submissions by businesses – were figured in.
Sales-tax numbers for the fourth quarter, including the holiday period, are not yet available.
The third quarter, which runs from July to September, actually saw increases in tax revenue from the sale of items in categories that include food and drugs, business and industry and transportation purchases. But sales declines in general consumer goods, building and construction, fuel and service stations and restaurants and hotels led to the overall decrease in 2008, according to the report.
On a whole, taxable sales for San Benito County increased 0.1 percent from last year while the Central Coast region decreased by 2.1 percent, according to the report.
According to The HdL Companies, the Diamond Bar-based firm that conducted the update for the city, the only increases in sales tax revenues were through service stations, grocery liquor stores, restaurants with no alcohol served and package liquor stores. On a whole, the state also saw a reduction in sales tax of 4.4 percent over the previous third quarter.
Measure T funds also were reported in this update. An additional $860,305 was generated through the 1 percent sales tax increase implemented in April to fund service increases in Hollister.
