June Town sales tax totals good as gold

The Town of La Conner collected $55,900 in sales tax revenue in June, 10% and $5,000 above 2017’s $50,818, the previous highest June report. After six months, La Conner’s sales tax receipts are $283,565, 86% the amount budgeted for 2021, averaging $47,261 monthly. These are by far the highest monthly and year-to-date collections in the past five years. If the trend continues, the annual sales tax revenue will top $550,000. The 2021 town budget estimated $328,202 will be collected. That may be exceeded next month.

April sales are made during Tulip Festival month. March’s collections, reported in May were 4.3% higher, at $58,287. March sales tax revenues were also higher in 2018, so April tourist sales taxes are not always the greatest total collected.

The fire truck sales tax revenue tracks sales tax. The $5,569 collected is also the highest June total. This year, $28,082 has been collected, 93% of the projected annual budget.

June’s $18,643 in hotel/motel tax revenue is also the highest June total since 2017. The six month total of $52,965 is, 60% of the annual budget projections. The total is $4,500-$7,100 below earlier year six month totals but collections are rising at a pace to better past years and beat budget projections. This tax’s revenues promotes La Conner to tourists from over 45 miles away.

These totals are based on April collections from town stores and online purchases delivered to La Conner addresses and reported to town council.

La Conner has a calendar fiscal year.