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City Reports Boost in Sales Tax Revenue

Posted on: Monday, 13 March 2006, 15:00 CST

By Munira Syeda Staff Writer, Desert Dispatch, Barstow, Calif.

Mar. 13--BARSTOW -- The city has reported a dramatic increase in its quarterly sales tax revenues compared to the same period a year ago. A slight hike in property tax revenues was also noted.

In terms of sales figures, the city expects to see another $300,000 in its coffers for the fiscal year 2005-06, than previously estimated. Also, there was a 15.7 percent jump in sales tax revenues during third quarter of 2005, compared to third quarter 2004. Southern California, on the other hand, recorded a 6 percent hike in sales over last year while the entire state recorded a 6.4 percent hike.

As for property taxes, the city reported a 5.1 percent increase for 2005-06, which was up 1.3 percentage points from the previous year.

"The latest property and sales tax news is good news for the City of Barstow," said City Manager Frank Mike Stewart in a prepared statement. "The property tax increase suggests the City Council's pro-growth agenda is having a positive effect on property values. The unexpected sales tax increase, much of which can be attributed to visitors to our community purchasing goods and services such as fuel and food, is obviously positive for our businesses as well as the city, enabling us to better meet the demands for municipal services."

Fuel is the biggest source of sales tax revenue for the city, followed by consumer goods and restaurants, among other categories. Additionally, property taxes are expected to rise from 7 to 8 percent next year.

In other government news:

-- The Planning Commission will continue a public hearing Monday night to see whether to approve an application for establishing a miniature golf course in the Swap Meet market on 510 E. Virginia Way. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at Council Chambers, 220 E. Mountain View Street, Suite A.

-- Barstow's State Sen. Roy Ashburn, R-Bakersfield, has announced he's running for the state Senate again. He has decided not to run for the seat vacated by Congressman Bill Thomas, who is retiring.

"In politics, there's a time to fight and there's a time to unite. This is a time to unite and that's why I am announcing that I will be seeking re-election as the state Senator representing the 18th Senate district," Ashburn said in a written statement.

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Copyright (c) 2006, Desert Dispatch, Barstow, Calif.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: The Desert Dispatch (Barstow, Calif.)

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