Town sales tax revenue tops $70,000 first time

Off the charts: the $70,383 the Town of La Conner lists in its August sales tax revenue report is the highest total ever. The August data, from the state's Department of Revenue, captures June sales, always the highest revenue month. This year's collection is 12% above 2021's and the first time over $70,000.

The year-to-date total is $446,300. The town’s 2022 budget income projection will be met next month.

As in 2021, collections have set records monthly, except January’s.

The $19,137 in hotel/motel revenue is the highest August collection also. The year's budget projection may be met next month.

August's firetruck sales tax receipt of $7,020 is the first time over $7,000 and raises the year's collection to nearly reach the annual total budgeted.

Town revenues in almost every fund are exceeding projections, led by the two Real Estate Excise Taxes (REET) totaling $66,967, each 166% of annual projected income. The three wastewater treatment plant funds together average 75% of their year's revenues, ahead of the 67% estimate for eight months, assuming equitable monthly collections. Town income from all revenue sources is about $3.9 million, also 76% of the projected annual total.

These totals are based on June collection from town stores and online purchases delivered to La Conner addresses and reported to town council from the state’s Department of Revenue.

La Conner has a calendar fiscal year.