The two towns, however,

experience declines

Custer County is seeing an increase in sales tax dollars while the two towns are experiencing a slight decrease.

So far this year, the county has received $197,298.95 in sales tax proceeds, as compared to $183,360.65 during the same timeframe in 2009. That’s a $13,938.30 or nearly eight percent increase.

In Silver Cliff, sales tax dollars received so far this year total $36,515.64 as compared to $39,637.08 during the same time period in 2009. The $3,121.44 decline equates to a nearly eight percent decrease.

In the town of Westcliffe, sales tax dollars so far this year total $88,995.33 as compared to $94,083.49 this time last year, which equates to a slightly less than 5.5 percent or $5,088.33 reduction.

Since the state is usually some two months behind in remitting sales tax dollars to government entities, the sales tax dollars received echo January to May proceeds, therefore, they do not reflect the busier summer tourist months.

Sales tax dollars for the two towns and county come from various retail businesses such as grocery stores, gas stations, gift shops, restaurants and hotels.

Sales tax dollars also come from the purchase of new vehicles and other sources.

The county does not collect sales tax dollars on consumer heating fuels and certain agricultural products, however, the two towns do.

The town of Silver Cliff collects sales tax dollars on the purchase of new vehicles while the town of Westcliffe does not.

Of the 6.9 percent in sales tax dollars collected locally, 2.9 percent goes to the state, and the two towns and county collect two percent each.

– Nora Drenner