July La Conner tax revenues record high

An off-the-charts record: The $73,968 Town of La Conner sales tax revenue is the highest single month collection ever, for any month of any year. It is $18,789, 34.1%, higher than the July 2023 collection, which set a record last year. Records were similarly set for the special use fire tax, at $7,302. It is also its highest ever monthly total and $1,908, 35.4%, more than July 2023.

The $24,180 hotel-motel tax collection is 47.1% above last year and sets a July record.

These are May collections. The state’s Department of Resources reports on a two month lag.

The highest tax total months are July and August, reported in September and October.

Sales-related tax revenues in 2024 to date have lagged past years but these totals have brought to-date totals near the 2024 budget forecast.

The $176 in REET (Real Estate Excise Tax) revenue is minimal and may reflect the low level of real estate transactions are occurring. Tax revenue for the year have exceeded the budget forecast.

July’s property tax collection of $1,423 is about the same as 2023’s.

Revenues from the three wastewater operations funds are roughly matching 2024’s budget projections, while expenses continue to be considerably below their budget line items. July’s $221,407 reported totals $124,964 is the water utility; sewer revenues are $66,671 and drainage is $29,772.

Compost fees and sales contribute $63,917.

Revenues from all sources for the year are 49% of projections. All expenses total 34% of planned annual costs, over 70% below projections, primarily because the $1.2 million streets budget has barely been expended..

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

La Conner has a calendar fiscal year.