Despite dire projections, sales tax revenues for Jackson and Madison were up, and up big for the month of March.
Experts were predicting that sales tax diversions to the cities would drop as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
By mid-March, the city and state were beginning to limit public gatherings and close restaurants in an effort to slow the virus’ spread.
Even with the initial restrictions, Jackson’s March sales tax diversions were up 24.4 percent from March 2019, while Madison’s were up 6.1 percent, according to Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) figures.
Meanwhile, Ridgeland experienced a 6.4 decrease in collections, DOR data shows.
In all, Jackson brought in just over $2.1 million for March 2020, up from $1,698,795 last year; Madison’s take for the month was $706,020, up from $665,350 last March.
Ridgeland posted $945,818.47 in March, down from $1,010,351.67.
With more strict lock downs put in place in April, sales tax numbers for that month are still expected to be down. April’s diversions will be not be released until June.
Cities receive 18.5 percent of the total sales tax revenues generated each month within in their corporate boundaries.
