By Amye Anderson
UCBJ Managing Editor
UPPER CUMBERLAND – While Upper Cumberland saw a 2.5 percent increase in state sales tax collections in August, compared to the same time last year, collections dipped slightly from the 2.8 percent increase reported last month.
Jackson County, who boasted a 14.6 percent increase over August 2016’s numbers, topped the list in terms of most sales tax collected but was the only UC county to experience a double-digit gain. Cannon, DeKalb, and Warren counties reported strong collections with 6.2 percent, 9.6 percent, and 7.4 percent increases reported respectively.
Regional counties reporting decreases this cycle included Clay (-1.1), Fentress (-7.1), Macon (-5.3), and White (-2.4).
Rounding out the remaining collections for the UC in August are Cumberland, who kept pace with 2016’s numbers (0.0), Overton (4.1), Pickett (4.9), and Smith (1.7).
Overall, the state of Tennessee saw a 3.2 percent increase compared to August 2016.
Collections, which are considered just one measure of economic activity, are based on state sales taxes; local option taxes are excluded. Sales lag collections by one month; for example, August collections reflect July activity.
Source: Compiled by the Upper Cumberland Development District from data published by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
