SCOTTSDALE SALES TAX COLLECTIONS INCREASE

June 17 , 2005 by Kathleen GordenSales tax collections for business activity in Scottsdale increased by less than 1 percent in April compared to the same time period a year ago, after adjustments made to compensate for last year's voter-approved funding for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and public safety.

The category with the largest increase in business activity during April was restaurants, up 12 percent, followed by: utilities, up 10 percent; major department stores, up 9 percent; and hotels and motels, up 8 percent.

Including revenue from the increased voter-approved tax collections, monthly privilege and use tax collection in Scottsdale increased 17 percent for April activity.

Bed tax collections for business activity in April increased 18 percent compared to the same time period a year ago.

Over the past 12 months, sales tax collections are at $146.2 million, a 24 percent increase from the same time a year ago; when adjusted for the recently approved dedicated funds, the 12-month increase is at 9 percent. Bed tax collections are up 10 percent over the same time period.

For more information, contact Tax Audit Manager Phil Montalvo at (480) 312-2629.