Town tax revenues stay up

The La Conner tourist economy may be back on track. The June sales tax revenues of $58,778 reported to town council by the state’s Department of Revenue, are the second highest total for the month, only below 2022’s record. It is 10.6% above last June’s. This is April’s tax collection, the month of the Tulip Festival.

The Special Use Fire Tax revenues, at $5,870 is 10.8% above last year’s and also the second best June.

For the first half of 2023, sales tax revenues are at 44.8% of the year’s projected total while the fire truck tax is at 54.2% of its projected total.

The motel/hotel tax revenues are not going gangbusters. Its June total of 14,159 is $9,625 below last year and the lowest June total since at least 2016, with the exception of the 2020 pandemic year. Its year-to-date total is at 47.2%, okay as the summer vacation season starts.

The $444 collected in property tax brings the six-month total to 54.2% of the annual budget. The $3,750 of REET tax (real estate excise tax), collected adds to the 109% of the projected annual total.

Revenues from the three wastewater operations funds are matching 2024’s budget projections. Of June’s $235,026 reported, $105,2000 is the water utility; sewer revenues are $98,146.

Compost fees and sales contribute $84,289. Expenses for the funds continue to be lower than budgeted, with projects probably scheduled for later in the year.

Revenues from all sources for the year are 40% of projections. All expenses total 29% of planned annual costs.

Sales tax totals are collections from town businesses and online purchases delivered to La Conner addresses.

La Conner has a calendar fiscal year.